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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2024 13 Councilmember Holden reported if the Council did not put money in the CIP or PIR Fund, in future years, the City would have money to pay for other items. Finance Director Yang stated project expenditures drive down the fund balance and revenues increase the fund balance. Councilmember Monson reported the $250,000 allotment for the CIP Fund was set based on the five-year outlook for this fund. She explained the $250,000 was needed to cover the 2025 through 2029 projects. She stated under the CIP, $29.5 million was being spent in the next five years. She stated in 2025, $4.9 million would be spent. She stated if a $250,000 or $300,000 reduction was made into the CIP Fund allotment, would this impact the levy enough. She stated she was trying to figure out what type of levy Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant would support. Councilmember Holden stated she did not see the purpose in coming up with a number. She indicated it has been spoken by the majority of the Council that they were happy with the proposed levy increase. She reported she was proposing to make cuts based on the concerns she has heard from residents. She stated just because staff was making the request for new vehicles does not mean the Council had to approve the request. Councilmember Rousseau asked if the Council was now to consider making cuts to vehicle purchases. Councilmember Holden indicated she was not making this recommendation because it did not matter. Councilmember Rousseau reported it appears the City did not need the funding for Hazelnut and with the park building, she could explain to the neighbors why the park building was no longer there. She indicated she would like to keep the FTE and parks master plan within the budget for 2025. Councilmember Holden stated the budget would still have to be amended to include an additional $25,000 to $30,000 for the public works salaries. Mayor Grant stated the Council approved the non-union compensation plan and the contribution to monthly benefits under Items 8B and 8C. He reported with the FTE and the parks master plan, he wasn't saying the items should not move forward at some point in time, but suggested the items be pushed off in order to lower the levy. Councilmember Holden reported if the FTE were pushed back to July, the savings would cover the funding needed for the Public Works salaries. She recommended the parks master plan be pushed off to 2026 when the new FTE was in place. Councilmember Rousseau stated the Council discussed the FTE and there was a recommendation to move hire this individual in April. She suggested conversations shift to the $215,000 reduction for Hazelnut and the $85,000 for the park building. Mayor Grant reiterated the fact that these two items do not impact the levy.