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City Council Regular Meeting - 07/11/05 Minutes - Page 21 Councilmember Schroeder addressed a philosophical difference he and City Manager Beets had related to taxes and additional revenues from fees to determine the total price of government for companson purposes. City Manager Beets recognized that philosophical difference, opining that while taxes make up a huge part of the City's revenue, the amount taken in from fee revenue, didn't appreciably change the bottom line or cost of government. Acting Mayor Maschka note that housing cost comparisons would move proportionally for homes of higher value; and could be attributed to the City's commercial tax base. City Manager Beets concurred. Councilmember Schroeder noted that the commercial tax base impact was an important source of information to have and that it kept the overall tax base lower; but he expressed the need for further justification based on the needs and services provided by the City. Councilmember Schroeder complimented City Manager Beets and staff on the table comparing various tax levy projections. City Manager Beets reviewed and outlined new obligations in tax supported programs that were basically non-negotiable, and proposed budget additions or reductions in tax supported programs. Discussion included the City's overall pay scale compared to other applicable cities and its status of 5% below average; Primary Elections in 2006; healthcare premium increases; Police Department recordkeeping software and maintenance; additional Police dispatch costs (prior to consolidation); and the proposed budget related to Council priorities. City Manager Beets reviewed his fee-based recommendations included lining of sewer lines under the Utility program (to be paid for with sewer fees); reduced operating expenditures in the Community Development Department to better match estimated revenues; increase in Information Technology staff (paid for with