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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,November 25, 2013 Page 22 Councilmember Laliberte stated that she could not, at this time, support staff s recommendations; opining that utility rates came into play with the upcoming budget and levy discussions. Councilmember Laliberte note that the City Council had communicated to the public as a body that big utility rate increases in the past were well thought out; and now the residents were continuing to see increases. Councilmember Laliberte opined that this issue had not been discussed sufficient- ly to move forward tonight. Councilmember McGehee opined that it would have minimal impact on the 2014 levy. Mayor Roe stated that he would not support action tonight, without the benefit of receiving public comment on December 2, or December 9, 2013; opining that it was not respectful to the public to adopt rates before they were able to speak to the budget. No action was taken. b. Council Budget Questions/Suggestions Councilmembers were given the opportunity to seek additional information from staff or other Councilmembers before the upcoming 2014 budget and levy meet- ing. Councilmember Laliberte thanked Mr. Miller for providing the additional infor- mation she requested in tonight's packet materials. While the budget is set at the beginning of the year, Councilmember Laliberte noted that in working with avail- able staff and resources to the best of everyone's ability, she was attempting to get a feel for how much if any carryover may be going into reserve funds. Coun- cilmember Laliberte questioned Mr. Miller if he was aware of any other discre- tionary expenses in addition to those listed. Mr. Miller clarified the question as: "How are we doing and how will we finish the end of 2013?" Mr. Miller advised that, without discussing it further with De- partment Heads, he was reluctant to respond, as he didn't know what additional purchases or outstanding bills they may have for December of 2013 or January of 2014. While he could provide a ballpark for next week's meeting based on trends, Mr. Miller advised that to-date through October, things looked encourag- ing. However, he expressed his preference to touch base with Department Heads; opining that he didn't see anything coming in much under budget. Councilmember Laliberte expressed her interest in and appreciation for that in- formation being provided by Department Heads for the December 2, 2013 budget hearing; with Mr. Miller duly noting that request. Recess