08-29-11-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — AUGUST 29, 2011 5 72.23%). She explained that Animal Control will be provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff beginning January 1, 2012. As far as Elections, she explained that there were no elections in 2011 so there will be an increase of $16,280 for 2012 which is an election year. In addition, $10,000 has been budgeted for a lease on a copy machine to replace the current copier which is six years old. The maintenance agreement for the current copier expired in June of this year. She stated the $6,000 annual cost for the City's postage meter has been added because it was not previously included in the budget even though we have been incurring the expense. She stated the Government Buildings budget was reduced substantially to more accurately reflect costs for utilities. An amount was budgeted for the increased cost for the Ramsey County Maintenance Facility lease as the cold storage will be converted to heated storage with a net effect of a $28,933 decrease to this budget. She explained that there is no Reserve /Contingency budgeted in the 2012 budget as proposed. Other adjustments include: an increase in the Mayor & Council budget for newsletter costs and training; increases in the Finance and Administrative Services budget for Springbrook software maintenance costs and IT services from Roseville; increase in the Streets budget for snowplowing overtime based on the previous two -year history; a reduction in emergency management cost; and other miscellaneous adjustments. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson then reviewed changes made to Other Funds. The changes to the EDA fund had already been discussed. Staff is recommending a transfer of $65,000 from the PIR fund for gateway signs. There were no significant changes to the other Special Revenue funds with the exception of the Community Services fund being folded into the Public Safety Capital Fund. She explained that this is being done in part because of new accounting standards, but also because the charitable gambling proceeds can only be used for public safety capital purchases, as a result, Council will be asked to formally dissolve this fund and move the balance to the Public Safety Capital Fund at a future Council meeting. She stated the Enterprise Funds have been evaluated and changes made to accurately reflect economic conditions and historical trends. An updated rate study will be done and presented to the Council at the November work session. The rates included in the proposed budget are from the 2008 Rate Study but will be updated and presented at the November work session. She explained that water rates will increase 7 %, sanitary sewer will increase 2 %, and surface water will increase 3 %. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson further explained that the final levy will be established and certified in December. As the Council knows, once a preliminary levy is established, the amount can be reduced but not increased. The preliminary level needs to be certified by September 15. She explained that the 0% levy increase provides no opportunity to build fund balances in capital funds. If Council desires an opportunity to discuss transfers to capital funds, they may want to consider a higher preliminary levy. She asked Council for their input including reaffirming the preliminary levy amount and listing any other concerns or priorities they may have. She further stated that a 1% levy would result in an additional $30,000. Councilmember Holden stated that she is concerned the $70,000 designated for TCAAP operating expenses in Special Revenue funds is not significant enough. She explained that she doesn't see the City getting any operating revenue from TCAAP in 2012. She added that if the stadium does go through on the TCAAP property, she believes the City would need an attorney to create memorandums of understanding with Ramsey County to protect our interests. We may also need a lobbyist during special session.