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