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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 Councilmember Monson said there is no update, because their budget needs to be passed. She said we have to assume we won't get it. Then if we do get it, it'll be the cherry on top. Mayor Grant asked if the amount was still $18 million. Councilmember Monson said no, it is assumed to be between $20-$25 million. She said in the event the amount is not sufficient when bids are received in spring of 2025, the ordinance would need to be adjusted to cover the correct amount. Finance Director Yang confirmed. Councilmember Monson thought we should know before May 151h. That is the date this would start. We are hoping to start construction in the spring. She said it's not ideal to have to go back and change the ordinance, but the timing works, if that is needed. If it's much higher, there would be more discussions. Councilmember Holden thought that earlier Councilmember Monson had said that if the bid exceeds initial the amount we would look at downsizing the fire station. She asked if Councilmember Monson is saying we'll have discussions and the City will have to pay more. Councilmember Monson said no. If it came back too high, there would be a lot more discussion surrounding how much it should be cut back or if there is appetite to meet the amount. She thinks everything is on the table but she doesn't think any of the three cities have an appetite to go much above the estimates. Councilmember Holden said there is a big gap between $20 million and $25 million. She said the City paid cash for the land. She asked if the $20-$25 million includes everything or if that's just the construction of the building. Councilmember Monson said any planning costs have already been built into the budget. So that amount is just the capital expenditure to build the building. Councilmember Holden asked if the most the City should anticipate paying is the $25 million. Councilmember Monson said the numbers are direction from the Lake Johanna Fire Department to assume for our bonding. Councilmember Holden asked if it is $20 million or $25 million. Finance Director Yang said she can't say specifically the amount that Ehlers used, but it's in that range. Mayor Grant asked what is the date that shovels will go in the ground. Councilmember Monson said it will be in the spring. There isn't an exact date yet. Mayor Grant asked for confirmation that there is a $5 million swing. Councilmember Monson confirmed.