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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 3, 2014 Page 25 opportunity for direct dialogue at the table. Mr. Trudgeon advised that he saw that in addition to the meetings they'd have on their own. Councilmember Etten expressed interest in getting them involved; and making it flexible enough to recognize what needs to happen and approximately when to get the budget business done. In referencing the RCA and staff seeking the City Council's comfort level in how things are reported, Councilmember Etten noted that many found budget documents confusion; and asked that discussion remain open to seek recommendation from the Finance Commission in how to make the documents easier to understand without needing a CPA license. Councilmember Etten opined that the method for showing information should remain open as a goal for the Finance Commission to determine and make recommendation; and to go from several different reports in varying formats to a single document to pre- sent to the community for easier understanding. Councilmember Etten further noted a reduction in the number of budget-related meetings from last year, and questioned whether separate Work Sessions were re- quired for June and August, since there were already three regular City Council meetings scheduled, and whether space could be created at those meetings for budget discussions to consolidate the current schedule and still get other business done. Councilmember Etten opined that, by taking budget discussions out of elev- en other meetings, it should free up some of that business time, and may make sense to add those discussions to other meetings. Mr. Trudgeon responded that it would be done at the expense of other items; and would require great discipline in not adding things to the budget meetings. Mr. Trudgeon noted that it wouldn't matter to him or Finance Director Miller as they would be attending the meetings regardless. Mayor Roe opined that it may make some sense to consider that option; and committed to dedicating an appropriate amount of time for budget discussions as agendas are developed. Mr. Trudgeon requested some flexibility, noting the difficulty in scheduling or re- scheduling during summer months to make sure key people are available. Councilmember Etten suggested date adjustments for June and August, with mid- dle meetings becoming budget meetings. At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Finance Director Miller advised that the external audit was scheduled for presentation to the City Council on April 21, 2014; at which point more definitive decisions could be made. Councilmember Laliberte questioned if budget discussions were starting soon enough according to the proposed schedule, and providing the best information available.