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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 11 levy provides adequate revenues to finance the 2020 Budget. The City Council needs to decide the maximum levy that it is willing to approve and then adopt the attached resolution. The final levy will be set in December 2019. Finance Director Bauman reported a budget workshop was held with the Council on August 19, 2019. Information provided at that workshop is attached. Staff was not directed to make any changes to the proposed 2020 General Fund Budget at this time. There will be another budget workshop in either October or November, prior to the final levy and budget adoption meeting in December. She reviewed the proposed tax levy in comparison to other communities in Ramsey County and noted Arden Hills was on the low end. Staff discussed how the proposed levy would impact the median value homeowner and recommended approval. Councilmember Holden questioned why the police contract with the Sheriff's Office and the Fire Department's contract were slated to increase by so much. Finance Director Bauman explained the police contract would be increasing by 7.7% due to the addition of another investigator along with body worn cameras and an increase in the County garage rate. She stated the fire contract was expected to increase by 8.2% due to an increase in evening/weekend shifts in preparation of staffing a third station, along with an increase in compensation and training costs. Councilmember McClung reported the Fire Chief had also written into the budget proper maintenance funds for fire equipment. In addition, he noted fire calls were going up by 5% each year, which increased expenses. He noted the staffing model for the fire department was being increased on evenings and weekends in preparation of manning a third fire station. Mayor Grant explained the City of Arden Hills has always had a strong commitment to its police, fire and public safety. He requested further comment on the City's tax rate. Finance Director Bauman discussed the City's tax rate in further detail with the Council. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2019-029 setting the Preliminary Levy at 5% for Taxes Payable in 2020. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2019-030 adopting Truth In Taxation Public Hearing Date for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2020 as Monday, December 9, 2019. The motion carried (5-0). 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 12. COUNCIL COMMENTS