08-17-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – AUGUST 17, 2020 8 Mayor Grant asked if they were assuming that Parks and Rec would be fully staffed in 2021. Finance Director Bauman replied yes, that she had not changed the total FTEs for the City. Councilmember Holmes commented that FPAC had suggested the reallocation of duties in the Parks and Rec Department. That will still be reviewed by the Council. She felt they may want to discuss Northeast Youth and Family Services and what the City pays to them. Finance Director Bauman reviewed the dispatch correction information for Allina services. There may be up to a $10,000 increase over the next few years as the County works to correct their process. She explained the City’s share of the total call for service in 2017 was .73%. In 2018 it was .655%. When they corrected the call count in 2019 our share went up to 1.68%. They are using those three years as a rolling average. Councilmember McClung commented that he agrees with 2% COLA, and would like to be careful with the budget this year. Mayor Grant said they still need to be sure the City is not underfunded and spending efficiently. Councilmember Scott was concerned that the current 3% levy wouldn’t be enough, and they shouldn’t get into a position where they had to have a drastic increase. Councilmember Holmes agreed they need to focus on keeping the finances strong so the Capital Fund balance didn’t have issues. Councilmember Holden wanted to be sure they put enough money into maintenance to work on the streets that are scheduled to be repaired. Finance Director Bauman said normally for Building and Permit revenue she has not included possible large projects into the budget, in 2021 she has included $245,000 in fee revenue. Councilmember Holden felt staff should look at increasing license fees to be sure the City is recouping costs. Finance Director Bauman reaffirmed that Council would like staff to look at license fees, change non-union COLA to 2%, but didn’t know where the Council stood on the levy increase. Councilmember Holden said 5%, Councilmember Scott said 4.5%. Councilmember McClung would like 3%, Councilmember Holmes agreed to 5% and Mayor Grant agreed to starting a preliminary levy at 5%. Mayor Grant asked if everyone could support 5% as a preliminary number. Council agreed, except for Councilmember McClung who didn’t wish to go that high.