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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – AUGUST 15, 2022 6 <br /> <br />G. 2023 Preliminary General Fund Budget <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman explained the City was required to adopt a maximum tax levy by the <br />end of September. A 5% increase is shown, which leaves the General Fund underfunded by <br />$161,330, as compared to 2022 with a budget shortfall of $140,000. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman reviewed the General Fund revenues, expenditures, personnel <br />services and FTE’s, supplies and materials, and other services and charges. The proposed tax levy <br />was also discussed, along with other funds relying on tax levy dollars. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman noted the current wage and benefit assumptions include a 3% COLA, <br />6.5% health insurance and 3% dental insurance increase. She asked if any of those assumptions <br />should be changed. <br /> <br />After discussion it was decided to continue those assumptions for now. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman asked if Council would like a significant building project added to the <br />2023 budget. <br /> <br />It was determined to not add any building project fees to the budget. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding where to put the proceeds from the sale of the Ridgewood property, <br />it was decided to put the money in the PIR budget. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman stated that Lake Johanna Fire Department models project 2023 tax <br />levy increase of either $75,000 or $125,000 depending on if the SAFER Grant is received. She <br />asked if Council would like to set the preliminary max levy to included additional funds for the <br />fire department if needed. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant noted the SAFER Grant should be awarded before the Council has to approve the <br />levy increase. <br /> <br />Finance Director Bauman said she usually brings the levy adoption to the first meeting in <br />September but could bring it the second meeting on September 26. She felt a revised preliminary <br />levy could be emailed to Council prior to the meeting. <br /> <br />After further discussion staff was directed to send Council a budget with the levy increase listed in <br />increments between 4% and 7%. <br /> <br />H. Council Tracker <br /> <br />Not reviewed. <br /> <br />2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked what was happening with Cummings Lane and if it was too late <br />to put curbs in because of the steep grade. <br />