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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 9, 2013 Page 16 Mr. Trudgeon reviewed those items detailed in the RCA that were new tonight based on City Council direction and/or discussions (e.g. full-time Volunteer Co- ordinator position; and Code Compliance Officer revenue sources defined). Mr. Trudgeon referenced the previous discussion related to the Merit Award Pro- gram, and funding that program in 2014 at $35,000, utilizing the revised perfor- mance standards as detailed by staff Also, based on further refinement and more clarity on the approximate $50,000 unallocated in contingency funds, and finer understanding of the market adjust- ment by Ramsey County and impacts of the sales tax exemption for municipali- ties, as well as the fewer dollars needed for Fire Relief Association funding in 2014, Mr. Trudgeon advised that there were additional savings in the proposed budget and levy originally projected. Mr. Trudgeon provided a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof, providing several staff recommended options for the City Council's consideration as it proceeded with tonight's discussion; which allocated funds from either levy funds or reserves, depending on the preferred option. At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Miller projected that, the actual dollars to be found in dropping General Fund reserves from 43% to 40% would generate approximately$433,000. Councilmember McGehee reviewed her calculations of adjusting the levy, using a General Fund reserve of 40% to address contractual obligations, an additional $4,000 for the Roseville Area Senior Program (RASP), and full-time Volunteer Coordinator position, addressing the total 2014 cash reserve funded increases to $397,225; using $271,000 estimated dollars from that percentage reduction with- out having to go further into reserves. Councilmember Etten observed that $393,000 had already been allotted from re- serves, signifying a considerable amount. Councilmember McGehee concurred; however, she opined that it was still well within the City Council's policy between 35% and 45%; and based on her re- search of other successful cities around the metro area at 35% to 50% reserve lev- els, as well as consultation with the League of Minnesota Cities, the City would not be jeopardizing its reserve position. Mayor Roe reviewed staff's options and Option 2 in using $393,225 in reserves; opining that he would need to receive further confirmation from Finance Director Miller as to the accuracy of the figures mentioned by Councilmember McGehee prior to making a final decision.