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