CCP 12-13-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and will be faced with a deficit in the utility funds, starting as early as two years. It was indicated that the City has not increased the water rates since 1999 and the sewer and surface water rates since 2001. Based on this review, the City hired a consultant to conduct a Utility Rate Study. The study took a multi pronged approach. First it reviewed the City's rate structure and compared it with a number of surrounding communities of comparable size. The next approach was to determine the future cash flow requirements in order to have adequate funds to support the undertaking of the proposed projects, as well as maintaining a desirable fund balance in the utility funds. The Council met twice to discuss the outcome of the study, and in late October, the Council approved the study and adopted new utility rates, effective January 1, 2005. . At the November IS, 2004, Work Session, Murtuza Siddiqui presented a Revised Preliminary Budget, based on the newly adopted 5 Year CIP, the outcome of the Utility Rates Study, and other requested changes. At this meeting, the Council directed staff to proceed with the preparation for the Truth-In-Taxation presentation. Key Bude:et Elements A conservative approach was taken in the preparation of this budget. The Proposed 2005 Budget has incorporated the following assumptions: . Levy increase was limited to 4%. The 2005 levy revenue has been conservatively budgeted slightly below 100% in anticipation of tax petitions or any other shortfall. If collection is higher than anticipated, it will offset any other revenue shortfall, or provide the opportunity to fund unanticipated projects, or contribute to the Capital hnprovement Fund. . Salary adjustments as part of COLAJsteps have been budgeted at 3%. . City contribution to health/dental benefits for both bargaining and non-bargaining staff has been increased to $533/employee. . All teclmology upgrades, including the purchase of a copier have been budgeted as previously discussed by the Council. It should be noted that the City has not purchased the document imaging equipment as originally planned in the 2004 Budget. Staff is evaluating the option of hiring professionals to image the documents as opposed to purchasing the equipment and hiring part-time help to image the documents. The proposed budget has included the full purchase amount in the 2005 Budget. A cost benefit analysis will be conducted. . Construction and road maintenance costs (PMP) were extensively reviewed by the Council over the past couple of months and the proposed budget has incorporated the projects included in the approved FiveYear CIP. . The City conducted a Utility Rates Study in September. In October, the Council approved the study and adopted the new rates as proposed in the study. The new revenue and expenditures are reflected in the Enterprise Fund Budgets. . There has been a re-a1ignment of "Celebrate Arden Hills" budget. Costs have been shifted from the Mayor & Council to the Administration budget. . A staff Engineer position has been added to this budget. This is a new position. . .