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City Council Regular Meeting - 09/13/04 Minutes - Page 30 Note: Referenced City Manager Recommendations taken from City Manager's 2005 Budget Memo distributed in July of 2005, pages 21-22 and 25 - 26. City Manager Beets noted that the preliminary calculations had anticipated $200,000 in revenue to contribute to the 2005 Budget; but that n10re detailed work was needed to determine the actual fee and an10unt of revenue potential available for the General Fund. Councilmelnber Schroeder opined his lack of support for a "fee" that was in actuality a non-levied tax. Councilmember Schroeder noted that an electrical franchise fee was not optional as was a cable fee; and also questioned the feasibility of burying electric lines. Mayor Klausing asked for comment and/or consent for consideration of other issues from the makers of the motion. Councilmen1ber Maschka opined his flexibility in considering any options; but reiterated his preference to solving the structural budget issues ilnn1ediately, or at a minimum over the next two budget year cycles. Councilmember Maschka also reiterated his preference to let the taxpayers, through public comment and feedback to the City Council individually and corporately, respond to the proposed levy increase as it related to services and quality of life. Mayor Klausing concurred with Councilmember Maschka's comments, but expressed the need to achieve a balance of increased revenue sources versus decreased service levels due to staff reductions. Mayor Klausing also noted the original intent of the Naturalist at the Nature Center as a revenue generator, with the position anticipated to be revenue-neutral. Mayor Klausing opined that further discussion was needed to determine if that original intent was feasible, whether the City would continue to subsidize it, or whether the difficult decision needed to be made to eliminate the position.