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