12-13-21-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – NOVEMBER 15, 2021 6 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained there would be some community engagement that would occur in order to make the surrounding neighbors of Floral Park aware of the changes that would occur. Mayor Grant agreed that trees would have to be taken down and roots should be addressed in order to protect the new courts. Council consensus was to support the Floral Park and Arden Manor Park projects moving forwards as one plan set. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen asked if the Council supported HR Green managing these projects. City Administrator Perrault explained staff needed assistance to help the City through the CDBG grant process. Council consensus was to support HR Green managing these projects on behalf of the City. E. 2022 Budget Discussion Finance Director Bauman stated a budget workshop was held with the Council on August 16, 2021. Staff was directed to make a few minor changes to revenues and expenditures, and Council adopted a maximum tax levy increase of 4.5% on September 13, 2021. The final levy and budget adoption meeting is scheduled for December 13, 2021. Finance Director Bauman reported the 2022 proposed budget is currently being prepared assuming a 3.0% wage adjustment for nonunion and union staff. There was a survey completed of surrounding communities and most were at 3.0%. It is important for the City to remain competitive in the marketplace. Benefit amounts have been adjusted based on renewal information. Health insurance is set to increase by about 9.0% and dental is set to increase by 3.3%. The city’s payment toward employee insurance is increasing $47.04 per month for an employee on a single plan and $91.39 per month for an employee on a family plan. Overall, the city cost for insurance is increasing $20,460. The number of positions included in the budget is decreasing by one due to the elimination of the Recreation Coordinator. Also, there are changes to some of the wage allocations and a couple of new position titles with different grades are included in Public Works and Community Development. Staff commented further on the proposed budget and asked for feedback from the Council. Councilmember Holden asked if the City was seeing additional revenues after the water meter concerns were addressed. Finance Director Bauman reported there were 15 customers that had been underbilled for water. She did not anticipate the City would see a large increase in revenues. Mayor Grant supported the City using a portion of the tree funds in the Park Fund to plant trees in 2022.