|
General Overview
<br /> A summary of the major changes in the 2026 budget is as follows:
<br /> Cost %of
<br /> Description Effect on Levy %Chg Categories Balanced Levy
<br /> Transfer to Cable Fund 50,000 0.83% 50,000 4.6%
<br /> Step Increases 39,507
<br /> 3%COLA Adjustments 45,448 84,955 7.8%
<br /> Public Works Staffing Phase 2-1 Lead(Jan 2026 Start) 3,359 3,359 0.3%
<br /> Recon the Go 8,100 8,100 0.7%
<br /> Health Insurance/Work Comp Benefits(15%health;4%dental)&MN Paid Leave 48,266 48,266 4.4%
<br /> Personnel Costs 144,680 2.4% 144,680 13.3%
<br /> Increase in RamCo Sheriff 334,531
<br /> Increase in UFD 159,231
<br /> Increase in Ramco Dispatch 12,780 506,542 46.5%
<br /> RamCo Facility Maintenance Facility-Rent 5,847 5,847 0.5%
<br /> Permit Software Conversion 60,000 60,000 5.5%
<br /> Park Maintenance(Park Sign Replacements,Buckthorn Removal,Supplies/Materials) 47,420 47,420 4.4510
<br /> Springbrook Metro-INET Server Migration 10,000 10,000 0.9%
<br /> Street Maintenance Program/PWMP Street Projects (30,500) (30,500) -2.8510
<br /> Net changes in other GF Budget Areas 21,258 21,258 2.0%%
<br /> Total General Fund Costs 815,247 13.5% 815,247 74.8%
<br /> PIR Fund -
<br /> EDA Fund 100,000 100,000 9.2%
<br /> Equipment/Bldg Replacement - - 0.0%
<br /> Public Safety 52,000 52,000 4.8%
<br /> Total CIP Fund Costs 152,000 2.5% 152,000 14.0%
<br /> Total General&CIP Fund Costs 967,247 16.0% 967,247 88.8%
<br /> Underfunded Levy Costs 122,009 2.0% 122,009 11.2%
<br /> Total Balanced Levy Costs 1,089,255 18.1% 1,089,255 100.0%
<br /> Wages and Benefits
<br /> In 2025, the City hired David Drown and Associates (DDA)to conduct a comprehensive study of
<br /> its compensation and classification structure. As a result of their work, changes were made to the
<br /> City's wage schedule, and several non-union employees received job reclassifications. These
<br /> changes maintain the City's competitiveness in the marketplace, putting the City at a 108%
<br /> market value or 8% above market value. Additionally, union employees negotiated a new three-
<br /> year contract.
<br /> The 2026 preliminary budget assumes a 3.0% wage adjustment for all staff. There is also a 15%
<br /> increase assumed for health, a 4%increase for dental, a 0.0%increase for life insurance premiums,
<br /> and a $15,000 placeholder for the City's share to implement the MN Paid Family Leave required
<br /> per State legislation for every employer. The number of positions remains unchanged from 2025.
<br /> Below is a table showing the recent history of approved COLA's.
<br /> Year Non Union IUOE Union
<br /> 2025 3.00% +addition of P&R Mgr 7.00% +2 PW Lead Promotions
<br /> 2024 3.00% 3.00%
<br /> 2023 3.00% 3.00%
<br /> 2022 3.00% 3.00% +addition of Fleet Lead
<br /> 2021 2.00% 3.00%
<br /> Page 2 of 7
<br />
|