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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 12, 20135 Councilmember Holden reported that she would not be able to attend the November 18, 2013, Council work session. Councilmember McClung stated that he would not be uncomfortable with any or all of the proposed cuts listed on Page 9. He indicated that the City has to recognize its size and understand that not everything can be done all at once. He wants to see the City get its priorities and funding mechanisms properly aligned. Councilmember McClung stated that the 2% COLA for City employees could remain in the 2014 budget. Mayor Grant questioned if the Celebrating Arden Hills event needed to be held in 2014. He stated that a net of $10,000 was budgeted for this event. He was in favor of cutting this item, along with the national training conferences for the City Council. He questioned if the Council wanted to consider franchise fees in the 2014 budget. Councilmember Holden stated that if the Council were to approve franchise fees, they would not begin until 2015. Councilmember Holmes commented that not all Councilmembers were in favor of getting to the point where there was a zero percent levy increase. She was in favor of cutting out the fat and providing staff necessary direction, but did not feel it was necessary to cut everything in order to arrive at a zero percent levy. She recommended that the Council focus on setting priorities rather than making cuts. Councilmember Holden indicated that the budget is a working document. She wanted to see a budget approved that did not require numerous amendments throughout the year. She expressed concern with the overages experienced each year. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported that staff was extremely conservative with the revenue estimates in 2011 and 2012. This led to surpluses within the Fund Balance. Councilmember McClung City had an excess in reserves in the Fund Balance on a yearly basis. Councilmember Holmes asked if the excess funds were placed in the PIR fund. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that this has not been done; rather the funds have remained in the General Fund. She reported that FPAC recommended the City to have a 50% fund balance to cover expenses on behalf of the City. She explained that the Council could review the fund balance transfer policy at a future meeting. Mayor Grant recommended the discussion on this item be continued to the November 18, 2013, Council work session. 1. Clean-Up Day Event