CC_Minutes_2004_0909 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Special Study Session - 09/09/04 Minutes - Page 6 City Manager Beets noted that the action to adopt the Preliminary 2005 Budget and Levy was the basis for the Truth in Taxation Notice publications by Ramsey County and the Public Hearings to be held in December. Counciln1ember Ihlan sought clarification on the Housing and Redevelopn1ent Authority (HRA) Levy and Budget. Finance Director Miller noted that the HRA Levy was completely outside this levy. Mayor Klausing acknowledged that the Council could set a maximun1 levy in Septelnber, but noted that tough choices still remained and would become more difficult to make. Mayor Klausing encouraged Councilmembers to consider 1) What can we live with; and 2) Where are areas to reduce expenses or increase revenues? lvIayor Klausing opined that, while public input was valuable, the City Council was still the ultimate policy-n1aker and was obligated to the community-at-Iarge to make the tough decisions, determine the best course and realize the impact to the community of those decisions. Counciln1ember Maschka reiterated his opinion, from public feedback, that the support was there to maintain the current quality of life for Roseville. Mayor Klausing polled the Council for consensus on a 10% preliminary levy increase as recommended by Councilmember Maschka. Councilmembers Ihlan and Maschka, and Mayor Klausing were supportive; Councilmember Schroeder was not supportive of the proposed increase. Mayor Klausing noted that, he was not entirely comfortable with another 10% levy increase, above and beyond the 10% already applied for the referendum; further noting that he wanted to be sensitive to the fixed income of many residents and their assets tied up in hon1e ownership; the probable increases from the School District and County on homeowner taxes as well; and questioned where other cuts could be made. Counciln1ember Schroeder recognized the impact to available