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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 17, 2015 6 Councilmember Woodburn believed that there may be a better place for the $250,000 to be spent. Mayor Grant was in favor of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee reviewing this item. Public Works Director Maurer commented that staff could have the sidewalk segment bid by the City of New Brighton and explained that it may not be pursued, pending the expense. He anticipated that the County would pay for approximately 25% of the trail based on their cost participation policy. Councilmember Holmes was interested in knowing the expense of the trail to see if it could fit into the 2016 budget. Mayor Grant questioned the expense to find out how much the sidewalk segment would cost the City. Public Works Director Maurer estimated the design costs to be $30,100. He reported that if the Council did not want to pursue this trail after it was designed, the plans could be used in the future. Mayor Grant inquired if the sidewalk expense would fit into the City's 2016 budget. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson commented that the Council could use reserves. Mayor Grant stated that after considering the expense of the trail and its design, he did not support the trail segment. He believed that the funds could be used elsewhere or at another point in the future to complete a trail segment. He was in favor of the City focusing on County Road E. D. 2016 Proposed Preliminary Budget and Tax Levy Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the 2016 preliminary budget and tax levy with the Council. She noted that she met with Ramsey County last Thursday afternoon. At that meeting, she was told by the County that the City's property values had risen by 1.8% and that the county-wide average was 3.4%. She explained that the Round Lake TIF District expires in 2015, which means that the area would be coming back onto the tax rolls in 2016. City Administrator Klaers explained that staff was also seeking additional insight with regard to taxing issues in order to fund street improvements, parks and trails. Staff also needs input on COLA, step, and wage increases for 2016. He recommended that the City's tax rate remain level with 2015 and that the Council take advantage of increased property values and the properties coming back on the tax rolls. He noted that due to valuation increases, the City could keep the tax rate flat for 2016 and the tax levy amount would increase by 6.5% or$217,000. Councilmember Woodburn asked if staff would be proposing increases in expenses of more than $217,000.