CCWS 07-17-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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--------- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 17,2006 6 e Mr. Siddiqui stated that City staff has been working on the 2007 preliminary budget. In order to complete the preliminary budget, City staff is seeking City Council input regarding levy limits for 2007. Members ofthe City Council reconunended a 4% levy for 2007. Chief Financial Officer Murtuza Siddiqui requested guidance from the City Council regarding the COLA salary increases for non-union staff members in 2007. At this time, the Local 4gers are scheduled to receive a 2.75% increase in 2007. City staff is recommending a COLA increase of2.75% for non-union employees. Members of the City Council were agreeable to the proposed 2.75% COLA increase for 2007. Mr. Siddiqui stated that City staff has received preliminary numbers from our health insurance providers for 2007. City staff is scheduled to meet with our health insurance broker next week to discuss the proposed health and dental rates for 2007. At this time, the preliminary numbers are for a 10% to 20% increase in health premiums and a 6% to 8% increase in dental rates. In 2006, the City contributed $586.00 a month towards employee benefits. Recently, the City and employees have evenly split the cost increase for employee benefits. Members of the City Council requested that City staff meet with our insurance brokers and report . back to the City Council when we have more concrete numbers regarding the proposed health and dental rates for next year. Mr. Siddiqui asked if City Councilmembers would be interested in including a future pay increase for the Mayor and City Council positions in the 2007 budget. Councilmember Grant said that he would be an advocate for a pay increase. Councilmember Larson said that he was comfortable with the existing salary. Mayor Aplikowski said that it may be a good idea for the City Council to explore the possibility of adjusting the pay rates for elected officials. City staff will begin compiling information for the City Council to review regarding the pay rates of City Council members in other communities. Councilmember Holden requested that the City budget $10,000 ammally for Northwest Youth and Family Services (NWYFS). Assistant City Administrator Schawn Johnson said that charitable gambling revenues currently cover the City's annual contribution to NWYFS. e Councilmember Grant said that a problem could arise for the City if charitable gambling revenues would decline and they would not be able to cover the City's contribution.