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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 5 <br /> Interim City Administrator and Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson <br /> stated this was the case. She explained it was unusual for a City the size of Arden Hills to have <br /> their own City Engineer and Public Works Director. <br /> Councilmember Holmes indicated if the Council were to approve the 4.7% tax levy, the City <br /> would have a budget deficit in the amount of$238,324. It was noted this amount would have to <br /> be covered by reserves. <br /> Interim City Administrator and Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson <br /> stated that a 7.6% levy increase would be needed to cover the ongoing operating costs. <br /> Councilmember McClung asked how much budget savings the City realized in 2015. <br /> Interim City Administrator and Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson <br /> reported after the 2015 audit was completed it was determined the City had a 629% fund balance <br /> which meant there was an excess of$565,121 in the General Fund that could be transferred over <br /> to the PIR Fund. <br /> Councilmember Holmes questioned why excess funds should be transferred to the PIR Fund. <br /> Interim City Administrator and Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson <br /> explained the purpose for this transfer would be to assist with building up the City's capital funds. <br /> Councilmember McClung commented a portion of the transfer could also be used to buy down <br /> the 2017 tax levy in order to reduce the impact on Arden Hills' residents. <br /> Councilmember Wicklund supported a 4.7% preliminary tax levy increase knowing this number <br /> could be reduced by December. <br /> Mayor Grant explained that some of the extra expenses budgeted for 2017 were related to the <br /> Comprehensive Plan and should be covered by the PIR Fund. <br /> Councilmember Holden supported the 4.7% preliminary tax levy and hoped the Council would <br /> be able to reduce this percentage before final approval is granted in December. <br /> Councilmember McClung stated he could support 4.7% this evening and looked forward to <br /> further discussions on how to reduce this percentage in the coming months. <br /> MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Wicklund seconded a <br /> motion to Adopt Resolution #2016-031 — Settiniz the Preliminary Lew for <br /> Taxes Pavable in 2017. <br /> Mayor Grant believed the 4.7% tax levy was too high and stated he would not be supporting a <br /> 4.7%tax levy in December. <br />