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City Council Regular Meeting - 10/1 0/05 Minutes - Page 11 opined that a 5% levy increase for 2006 delayed the inevitable and the Council needed to have the integrity to cut staff, as difficult and unpopular as it was, and bring the budget into balance for the long-term. Mayor Klausing spoke in support of a 6.9% levy increase and City Manager Beets' memorandums and recommendations; the implications of continuing to use reserves and to defer capital purchases; declining interest earnings; and his overall concerns with the Council going in this direction and not meeting the City's needs and obligations. Mayor Klausing noted that, with 5% levy in Option D, the biggest hit was experienced in public safety, one area that the Council had achieved consensus as being a high priority and core function of the City. Mayor Klausing opined that he was not comfortable with Option D. Councilmember Schroeder addressed the declines in reserves and opined that they were represented by paying off modifications to City Hall and the paper debt of the Parks and Recreation Department being paid off. Councilmember Schroeder presented his personally revised 2006 proposed budget at a 4.64% levy increase, and proceeded to review specific areas of his proposal. Discussion ensued regarding the annual obligations for maintenance, depreciation and capital improvements at the Skating Center and OVAL, not previously budgeted in past years; and recommended by the Skating Center Task Force in their final report. Councilmember Kough volunteered to take additional discussions from tonight and rework his proposed budget and levy increase to remain between 3% and 5%. Councilmember Kough opined that individual departments needed to conserve and reduce spending in their specific areas. Councilmember Kough further opined his desire to discuss consulting fees; to retain employees and provide reasonable cost of living adjustments (COLA); and the need to save money for maintaining the OVAL.