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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — AUGUST 25, 2025 34 Mayor Grant said there are three people who want to hold off on the maintenance worker in 2026. Councilmember Weber asked if that was contingent on where the levy increase falls. Councilmember Monson said she would like to see the impact on the levy. She also needs to see the PIR Fund addition into the levy. It looks like $60,000 is a levy point. If we drop $40,000 that's almost a levy point. But then we're adding another $50,000 for the PIR Fund. She would rather add money into the PIR Fund than add a public works maintenance worker. She thinks we can probably wait another year. There won't ever be a good time. She is open to see what it looks like adding it halfway through the year. In general, she would like to push it out of 2026 for the cost. Mayor Grant said when Ramsey County Sheriff increase their budget, we don't have a say. That is what it is. Same thing goes for Lake Johanna Fire Department. There's nothing we can do about it. There are a number of items in the budget that we can't trim back. He thinks we have a good crew. We are doing okay. One maintenance worker can be taken out of the equation and save the money. He asked if anyone had any other ideas on how to keep the levy down. He doesn't see another way to make the adjustment. Councilmember Weber agreed it is sticker shock. It is hard to swallow. Mayor Grant said some residents can pay that, but consistent large levy increases may be an issue for residents in some parts of town. He hopes we can come closer to being balanced this year. Councilmember Weber asked if Staff has anything else to share. Finance Director Yang summarized the proposed budget includes a 3% COLA, 10% health insurance, 4% dental insurance increases. Councilmember Holden thinks it should be higher than 10%. She is hearing a lot of them are going up by 18% and we're a small group. She thinks it should be at least 15%. City Administrator Jagoe said 10% is typically what is programmed in, at this stage, when we don't have the number yet. Mayor Grant asked what the increase was last year. Finance Director Yang said 16%. City Administrator Jagoe added we absorbed some of with the increase in the family coverage to employees. We offset some of that. Mayor Grant is good with 15%. Councilmember Weber is okay with 15%, as well.