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City Council Special Study Session - 09/09/04 Minutes - Page 7 funds for many hon1eowners, and continued to support a zero percent levy, or minimal increase. Mayor Klausing questioned Councilmember Schroeder's reco111l11endations for keeping a minimal levy increase, while continuing to address inflationary costs. Council1nember Schroeder reviewed various items as provided on his written comments and proposed cuts for the 2005 Budget. Discussion ensued regarding the Cable Franchise Fee and how and where those funds were allocated; the self-contained function and nature of the Community Development Departlnent; and reserve funds available in the Cable Franchise Fund. Counciln1ernber Ihlan reiterated her support of a 10% preliminary levy increase; and requested additional information and discussion of those items at the end of the City Manager's Memo that were not addressed adequately at the recently-held Housing Summit (i.e., HRA and Community Development Departn1ent). Councilmember Ihlan reviewed some of her questions for further discussion when those budgets were reviewed (i.e., additional expense reductions or restructuring; assumptions that departments were supported by fees realized; and revenue proj ections in essential departments to provide for their stability). Further discussion ensued regarding the HRA; functions of the Building Department and Building Permit revenue fee projections; potential policy issues related to core City functions and possible pooling of those funds to allow more stability of the structural budget; and degradation of services with further staff reductions. Councilmember Schroeder opined his support of freezing COLA, rather than eliminating positions among staff. Further discussion included the percentage of union staff (estimated at one-half); and the potential for strikes with no room to negotiate if a wage freeze were implemented.