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Minutes of the Arden Hills Special Council Meeting, 12-12-89 Page 2 BUDGET HRG. (Cont'd) Mahowald stated he calculated the increase for police and . fire protection at approximately $100,000.00, which would account for the largest portion of the General Fund increase amount. Mayor Sather asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard either in favor of or opposed to the proposed 1990 Budget. James Jensen, 1517 Dawn Circle, stated there are four items which came to his attention: l. Questioned "wash" for the taxpayer regarding the increased City levy and decreased school district levy; questioned why the shift in funds. The Clerk Administrator advised this is a result of the Governor attempting to emphasize accountability in service delivery at the local government level; it appears his objective is to have the cities tax levies reflect the services offered by the city. 2. Questioned the monies being reserved for purchase of ball fields at the Arsenal. Councilmember Mahowald stated the project involves a joint effort of the northern suburban communities to develop recreational facilities on Federal land at the Arsenal. He explained the cities will request land at the Arsenal be donated for recreational use and if it is donated, park dedication monies will be utilized to develop the recreational facilities. . 3. Questioned the purchase of an aerial platform truck. Clerk Administrator Berger advised the vehicle is a fire emergency vehicle to be utilized by the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department; it was purchased under a Certificate of Indebtedness. Fire Chief Winkel explained the costs for the truck and usage will be shared by Arden Hills and Shoreview. 4. Questioned the $300,000.00 increase in the General Fund; asked what the current balance is in the fund. Berger stated the City Auditor has recommended a balance of approximately $400,000.00 be kept in the General Fund balance; this is a usual practise for cities. He estimated the current balance in the fund to be between $400,000.00 to $500,000.00 and stated the amount fluctuates. Councilmember Malone noted the fund balance projected at the end of 1990, as indicated in the budget document, will be $24,223.00 less than January 1, 1990. The Clerk Administrator advised residents pay approximately 15% of their tax dollars to the City; the largest portion of taxes collected go to the school district, county and special governmental agencies. Jensen advised if the shift in government aid funding goes from the City to the . School District and his taxes are not drastically affected, he is not opposed to the proposed budget as presented.