07-10-23-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JULY 10, 2023 3 percent increase to the General Fund and overall levy, respectively. For 2024, the fire department is anticipate hiring these positions in March and in July, which would result in a cost savings. For 2024, the costs for Arden Hills due to the Captains is estimated $138,001. City Administrator Perrault stated the City will need to consider how to balance current spending priorities along with the proposed fire department costs. The City could push out the fire station project and increase the levy in anticipation of construction. The proposed 2024 budget for the department is included in the budget are summary tables that provide for different scenarios with and without the new station. Mayor Grant opened the meeting to questions and comments. Councilmember Fabel asked what the legal relationship was between the three cities involved in the Fire Board. Mayor Grant reported there was a joint powers agreement in place between the three cities. He explained the JPA has been in place since the 1980's. Commissioner Fabel questioned if other cities have asked to be part of the JPA. Fire Chief Boehlke stated no other cities have inquired about becoming part of the JPA. Mayor Grant commented on the mutual aid agreements that were in place with neighboring departments. Councilmember Monson explained if two of the three cities wanted to move forward with the Fire District, the third city would have to decide who they wanted to contract with for fire services. Mayor Grant asked who bonds, each city or the Fire District. He commented on bonding versus a tax levy and how a rating would work. Councilmember Holden asked if the taxing authority would include non-profits. She also asked for an explanation of question number 25. City Administrator Perrault reported it was his understanding it would operate in the same manner as any other property tax. Councilmember Holden stated she was interested in learning how the Fire District would be able to bond for a new fire station given the fact they would be a new entity. Councilmember Rousseau questioned when the Cloquet and Moose Lake Fire Districts went into effect and asked how they have tackled a large bonding issue. Fire Chief Boehlke explained the Cloquet Fire District began in 2011 and he was uncertain about the Moose Lake Fire District. He stated the City of Cloquet has had to fund initial funding. He commented further on how the Fire District could borrow debt for larger projects.