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1 City Staff' have concluded that given the City's loss prevention efforts and claims history, it is well - positioned to retain more risk and self - insure to a much greater degree than in the past. By retaining more risk, the City can save $100,000 annually, of which $50,000 is provided for in the tax- supported funds. By reducing the proposed 3% COLA to %. the citywide savings is approximately $70,000, of which $35,000 is _ rovlded for in the tax-so ported funds. Approximately one -half of the comparable cities (Stanton Survey — Group 5 cities ) are providing a 3% COLA for 2004. Based on a recent survey, it is known that the City has a number of positions that are currently paid below the marketplace average. Reducing the COLA for 2004 could widen this disparity further. 3; The budgeted amount for each siren is $14,000. The siren(s) scheduled to be replaced are in working order, but nearing the end of their expected useful life. A program is currently in place to systematically begin replacing them on a rotating schedule, 4: Earlier this year, the Council voted to disallow any out -of-state travel for employees or City Council, an approximate savings of $10,000. Subsequent, discussions have suggested that up to $15,000 be reduced in overall training. A suggestion was also made to iimit one nations conference citywide to be used on a rotating basis. A number of issues cone into play here. First, a philosophical statement .. . Each year, City Staff make a determination of the appropriate level of training and education needed to continue maintaining the expected level of services. Oftentimes the greatest value of obtaining this training is at out-of-state conferences; and in some instances, attending an out -of -state conference is sufficient to obtain an entire year's worth of necessary training, thereby relieving employees of the need to attend multiple training events locally. Out -of -state conferences are indeed typically more expensive than in- state. However, it does provide Staff an opportunity to network with many colleagues across the nation to share ideas and expertise that are not present in Minnesota. In addition, some employees need a certain amount of continuing professional education (CPE) credits to maintain their professions certifications. These CPE credits are readily available at national conferences. Absent the opportunity to attend a national conference, some employees will need to attend additional in- state conferences to maintain their certification. The Parks and Recreation Department is due for its National Re- Accreditation in 2004. Typically the Commission for Accreditation meets at the Annual National Recreation and Parks Association Congress (typically out of state) to review agencies status, meet with prospect agency staff` to ask questions as well as award or deny agency accreditation at that time. Also, the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training Board require a certain level of yearly credit accumulation. With this in mind 3 it is Staff s recommendation that the Council determine the appropriate level of training dollars and direct staff to use those monies in a manner that provides the greatest value. 3