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24: The net cost of running the leaf pickup program is approximately $35,000 - 40,000. Forgoing this program would necessitate increases in the City's street sweeping and catch basin cleaning efforts, which would offset approximately $40,000 of existing program costs. Staff also estimates that the leaf compost site is in need of approximately $50,000 worth of improvements in the near future. These include general aesthetics and water quality improvements related to run off from the site. The leaf pickup program is funded out of the City's Stormwater Fund, and would not provide any property tax relief if eliminated. 25: The city currently has an unfilled position in its Park and recreation maintenance area. Forgoing this position would result in approximately $40 in savings. However, it would require some reduction/modification in maintenance efforts for our parrs, forestry program and the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum. Among this position's duties; is the maintenance of the parr flower program, city forestry program (diseased and hazardous trees and advice to residents), and is currently the only position maintaining the arboretum. Eliminating the funding for these duties would require a substantial modification of current maintenance duties and priorities in the Parks and Recreation Department maintenance area. 26: There is not an opportunity to reduce the City's proposed debt levy. The actual debt service on the new bonds for 2004 is $515,000. Keep in mind that our debt payments come due on March I" and September 1 ", whereas our tax collections come in June and December. And beep in mind, that the City does not have any reserves in this Debt Service Fund. Therefore we trust also levy enough funds in 2004 to make the March 1, 2005 debt payment. The debt payment for the new bonds on March 1, 2005 is $340,000. As a result, the 2004 debt levy for the new bonds is $515,000 plus $340,000 for a total of $854,000. Factoring in expected tax delinquencies and appeals, we've proposed a levy of $875,000 for the new bonds. 7* The startup costs per motorcycle patrol, is approximately $6,600, and $2,100 each year thereafter. This does not factor in the added liability or limitations that are present with a motorcycle patrol versus a squad -based patrol. S: See #25. Final Comment The Council is reminded that due to the loss of state -aid, the City is faced with a structural financing gag of $700,000 in the tax-supported funds. The proposed 2004 budget relies upon reserves to bridge this gap. To reduce the reliance on using reserves, the Council will need to reduce spending and leave the current levy amount in glace. Attachment A 6