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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — August 31, 2009 5 Revenues, but was also found to be "netted" against expenditures, resulting in the Contract Policing line item being $44,000 to low. A budget amendment is needed to increase the Contract Policing line item by $44,000. Councilmember McClung asked for clarification regarding the requested amendment for the police contract. Finance Director Iverson stated that the contracted amount did not change but when it was recorded in the budget it was not caught that the amount that was provided in the expense category had also been netted with the revenue that would be received and the revenue amount was also included in the revenue. Subsequently it was picked up incorrectly when it was put in the budget. Councilmember McClung stated that he had concerns with the fire contract. He stated that last year the City had voted not to support the Assistant Fire Chief position because the City did not have a good view of what the responsibilities would be for this position and there was no additional information regarding a staffing study that the department was looking at regarding their future staffing. He clarified that even though the position was not supported by the Council it was still included in the contract amount because the Fire Board had voted in favor of the position. He stated that the position has not been filled yet. The City is being billed for a position that is not filled. He stated that his concern is that at the end of the year when the fire department has a salary savings for this position the savings does not come back to the City or roll over to the next year but rather the overage is rolled over to the general fund. The City does not have any control over the general fund and he can not support this. He stated that the department should have the same budgeting responsibilities as any other department within the City. Councilmember Holden stated that the fire department has not filled the position yet the City is being required to pay for six months salary when there is only four months remaining in the year. She expressed concerns about the City paying for services that they are not receiving. Mayor Harpstead suggested that the motion be split into two different motions. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Approve Budget Amendment to the 2009 Budget in the Public Safety Department an Increase of $44,000 to Contracted Policing. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).