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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – AUGUST 20, 2018 5 <br /> <br />Hills. He indicated he would like to review information from the County on the number of <br />investigations being completed by Sheriff’s Department for Arden Hills and the other contract <br />cities. He explained the population of Arden Hills was not on the rise, nor were the crime rate in <br />the City but noted the expense was rising exponentially. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung requested staff invite the Undersheriff in to discuss the price for <br />contract police services in more detail with the Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant commented on the amount of funds that would need to be transferred in order to <br />balance the budget. He asked if there were any expected large budget increases for 2019. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman discussed the proposed increases for the two new staff positions. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the complete budget book. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if the Council wanted to address the budget again at a future worksession <br />meeting. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault commented if the Council wished to hold another worksession <br />meeting to discuss the budget this would occur on September 17. It was noted the Council would <br />have to pass the maximum budget levy in September. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden was of the opinion the budget could move forward as is. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott inquired if staff was recommending a 9.72% levy increase. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman reported this number was strictly reported to show the Council what <br />the increase would have to be in order to balance the current preliminary budget. She commented <br />further on how permit revenue would assist in balancing the budget in the coming year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated there was no way the Council would approve a levy over 4.8%. <br />She explained the Council would have to work to reduce the levy from 9.72% to 4.8% or lower. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden requested staff pursue a levy of 4.5%. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes indicated she could support a levy of 4.8%. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott supported a levy of 4.5%. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant suggested the Council go in at a maximum of 4.5%. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung commented he had not decided on a number yet. He stated he would <br />like to see the levy closer to 3.5%. <br /> <br />Council consensus was to direct staff to pursue a levy increase options of 3.5%, 4.5% and 5.0% <br />which will be discussed by the Council on September 10. <br />