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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 9, 2024 12 <br /> <br />was discussed at length by the City Council and this position would greatly assist the Public <br />Works Department. He stated he did not support pulling this position out at this time. He <br />recommended the Council not make quick decisions at this time, but rather that the thoughtful <br />recommendations within the budget move forward as presented. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden reported she heard loud and clear from residents on National Night Out <br />and from residents when she was door knocking that residents want the Council to curb costs. She <br />indicated an expanded tax base only works when the City does not expand its expenditures. She <br />discussed how people were hurting because costs continue to rise. She did not believe it was <br />wrong for the Council to consider where cuts could be made. She explained the Council could <br />approve 40 new positions, but this did not mean that these new positions had to be filled. She <br />suggested the new parks position be hired for only half of the year next year and noted perhaps <br />this new staff member could complete the parks master plan. She reported there were a lot of <br />residents in the community that were living paycheck to paycheck that were looking for a break. <br />She indicated she would continue to look for ways to make cuts because she believed this was <br />what the residents of Arden Hills were asking for. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau asked if removing the building from Cummings Park would impact <br />the levy. <br /> <br />Finance Director Yang reported this project would not impact the levy if the PIR allotment <br />remained at $250,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau questioned what the Hazelnut Park parking lot amount could be <br />reduced to. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden estimated the expense could be reduced to $100,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau inquired if this reduction would impact the levy. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant reported this would not have an impact on the levy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau stated if the new FTE were to be placed at .75 versus .5 would impact <br />the levy. <br /> <br />Finance Director Yang reported this would create an underfunded amount of $110,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau explained the PTRC supported this position being fully funded and <br />saw a lot of need for this new position. She asked if the $75,000 for the parks master plan would <br />impact the levy. <br /> <br />Finance Director Yang stated this expense would not impact the levy, rather just impacts the <br />fund balance. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned where the funding for the CIP and PIR came from. <br /> <br />Finance Director Yang explained this came from the levy, grants, LGA, Minnesota State Aid <br />and special assessments. She noted $250,000 from the general budget was being set aside for the <br />CIP/PIR Fund.