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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 8, 2008 24 Councilmember Grant stated that the removal of the contingencies would have gotten the City to the 4.9% levy. Councilmember Grant stated that during the work session he had stated he would not vote for anything over 5.4% and it is important for the Council to come together on this item. Councilmember Holden stated that the 5.4% levy was a fair compromise for the Council. Councilmember Grant stated that if the State continues to take money away from the cities then the levy amounts need to enable the cities to add that back into their allowable levy and the City will need to work with other cities to ensure that this happens. Councilmember Holden stated that she did not want to have to raise the levy up to 15% in a couple of years because the Council decided to save $10,000 this year. Councilmember McClung stated that he would support the 5.4% levy even though he felt the City could cut more. The cut for the Deputy Fire Chief was an easy cut because the City had already decided that they could not support this. Councilmember Holden asked if the majority of the Fire Board decided to hire an Deputy Fire Chief wouldn't the City have to pay their portion. Mayor Harpstead stated that this was true. The City has one vote out of seven on the board. If the Fire Board decided to move forward with the Deputy Fire Chief then other budget cuts would come into play. The motion was called to vote. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). Finance Director Iverson stated that the amount of the budget amount would be $12,028,525 based on the figures that have been provided. Mayor Harpstead stated that Staff would have discretion to remove the amount from the Deputy Fire Chief item or from other areas if they are unable to utilize this cut. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2008-062: A Resolution Adopting the Proposed 2009 Budget in the amount $12,028,525 with the