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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 9 Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that 2016 expenditures were discussed at the July work session and that expenditures beyond 2016 would be discussed at a future work session. She commented that all other expenditures were status quo. Mayor Grant understood that police and fire expenses would remain constant and that staff would be receiving COLA. He reported that some neighboring communities were offering their employees 2.5% in COLA and not 3%. He was interested in the City staying within its means and not raising the tax levy higher than 3%. Councilmember Holden was interested in raising the levy to 4% and discussed how the new City Administrator and Public Works Director/City Engineer could impact the budget. She believed that the 4% tax levy would give the City a bit more leeway. Mayor Grant hoped that staff would be able to assist the Council in achieving the cuts that would be necessary to approve a 3% tax levy. Councilmember Holmes believed that staff has cut the budget to the bone and would not find any additional savings. She reported that the City has increased costs due to the fact that the City is growing. She did not support reduced contributions to the PIR fund. She recommended that the Council look at the budget more realistically and understand that additional cuts are not possible if the City wants to move forward. Councilmember Holden stated that it is up to the Council, not staff, to decide what no longer needs funding. She stated that perhaps the Council needs to review the budget further based on goals and priorities. Councilmember McClung commented that by setting the tax levy at 3% the Council would be setting goals and objectives. He indicated that the Council would then be forced to discuss its responsibilities and make adjustments before a final budget and tax levy could be approved in December. Councilmember Holmes indicated that a 6.5% tax levy increase is needed to support the City’s identified needs. She reported that the final decision rests with the Council, and Council needs to determine what to cut if the levy is set at 3%. She stated that she does not believe that the Council is offering ideas to save money. Councilmember Holden suggested that the parks maintenance schedule be considered. She was in favor of reducing the public works staff by one seasonal employee and to have parks mowed every four days instead of twice a week. She requested that staff investigate these suggestions and provide Council with information on the cost savings. Councilmember McClung stated that he has offered cost savings measures, however, his ideas have not always been supported by the majority of the Council. Councilmember Holmes questioned how the Council should proceed since there is no agreement on the tax levy at this time.