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