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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 9 Councilmember Monson stated that while the Mayor was making jests, her motion was not in jest and she really felt that staff needed direction as the Council had gone back and forth. She said she did not intend to make jokes but rather wanted to be very clear for staff and about her intentions. Mayor Grant thank Councilmember Monson. He noted that generally when Council adopts the levy staff has direction and his comments were not in jest but rather items he feels strongly about, especially the Ramsey County dispatch since he serves on the committee. He noted if Council approves the budget, it should be well understood by staff that the monies that were budgeted go toward that cost. Councilmember Holden asked if the City had enough funding to pay for the Old Highway 10 trail. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented this might be more of a detailed question for the Finance Director. He noted the City received a Safe Routes to School grant and the City would be applying for the MNDOT Safe Routes to School grant. Councilmember Holden questioned when this trail would be completed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated this trail would be pushed to 2026. Mayor Grant clarified the trail from the end of Old Snelling to Lydia in Roseville would be covered 100%by MNDOT which meant this trail would have no impact on the City's budget. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported this was correct. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-046 - Adopting Truth In Taxation Public Hearin$ Date for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2025. The motion carried (5-0). Councilmember Rousseau explained she supported the 15.5% levy amount. Councilmember Fabel indicated he supported the 15.5% levy amount as well noting this would eliminate the need for deficit spending. Councilmember Holden stated having gone through the budget, she believed there were some wants included and funding was still needed for trails. She suggested the Parks Master Plan be pushed off another year until the new Park Manager position was filled next year and recommended the preliminary levy amount be set at 14%. Councilmember Monson indicated she supported the preliminary levy being set at 15.5%. She stated she was concerned with under budgeting and how this would impact the 2025 budget. She stated she was curious about Councilmember Holden's proposal of 14% and wanted to know what the math was as she would need to know that in order to support 14%. Mayor Grant reported he could support a levy increase of 13%.