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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 7 would be setting the maximum for the levy and the amount could then be reduced in the coming weeks and months before the final levy is set in December. She commented on how a median value home valued $469,000 would be impacted by an 11.87% levy increase noting this would be a $13.83 per month increase and with a 15.5% levy increase the monthly increase would be $17.58. She stated this was a four dollar per month increase. She believed it would be more responsible for the Council to start out with the higher value (15.5%) for the preliminary tax levy. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion directing staff to implement the compensation study as discussed in the amount of $155,000 on January 1, 2025. Councilmember Holden stated this item was out of order. She noted the item on the agenda was to consider the preliminary tax levy and truth in taxation hearing. Mayor Grant clarified by asking Finance Director Yang if the compensation study would be implemented in the 2025 budget and she reported that the $155,000 had been included. He indicated the task before the Council was to set a preliminary levy, along with a truth in taxation hearing date. Councilmember Monson stated she was clear as to the matter before the Council, but she wanted to ensure the compensation study results were implemented in the 2025 budget. Councilmember Holden indicated $155,000 would cover salary but would not cover benefits, FICA or unemployment, which meant the amount the City would be spending would be higher than $155,000. She explained she originally did not support the $155,000 in additional salary, but was willing to offer her support. She did not believe any person on the Council was wanting to take this item out of the 2025 budget. She commented there were items that she believed were wants instead of needs that she would consider reducing or removing from the budget. Mayor Grant commented he believed the budget was clear and the Council has not made a statement that would indicate this funding would be removed from the 2025 budget. Councilmember Monson explained she would not be withdrawing her motion. Mayor Grant asked if it was in keeping with approving the preliminary levy to consider the budget line item by line item. He asked the City Attorney for an opinion. City Attorney Bjorkness advised the broad scope of what was listed on the agenda does contemplate a motion such as the motion made by Councilmember Monson and the action was appropriate. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to approve the Public Works request for the Park Manager position (effective 4/1/25) as well as the Public Works Lead position (effective 1/1/25). Mayor Grant asked if the finance staff had created a budget with these positions included.