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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 15,2015 Page 27 forward way. With the park and recreation request for several years being $160,000 annually, whether directed entirely to CIP or not, Councilmember Etten noted the importance for him in putting any new levy dollars toward that. Trending toward 2016, and with the $3.5 million wish list submitted by depart- ments, Councilmember McGehee recognized that it was a large number, with a variety of funding options available. Councilmember McGehee stated that, at this point, she had no specific levy amount; but continued to feel strongly about some things and large things that could affect the budget rather than simply muddling along at the status quo for another year. At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Finance Director Miller clarified that IIS the CPI trending at 1% was measured for a one year period from April through April. Mayor Roe concurred with Councilmember Etten on the tax levy generally based on inflation excluding CIP funded items. In addition to considering it by the CIP only as Councilmember Willmus referenced, Mayor Roe noted that potential for a 1.4% growth with no impact to the City's median homeowner as previously dis- cussed. If the levy grew by that amount, Mayor Roe noted it would have little if any impact to residential taxpayers; and could at least serve as a starting point, again excluding CIP funding. Employee Costs (COLA and Healthcare Contribution(as part of and a significant cost in providing government services) As she'd asked previously, Councilmember Laliberte noted her request for alter- natives to funding single coverage at 100%. Based on her experience working in the healthcare industry, Councilmember Laliberte noted that she had participated with an independent study group gathering information from public and private entities related to healthcare and other benefits and employee packages. Having just received that initial information, which Councilmember Laliberte offered to share, provided segmented data from other public entities, including cities and counties; and provided through wellness and benefit surveys from human resource groups. City Manager Trudgeon advised that a better sense would be available over the next few months as it was determined how the entire financial package was struc- tured. While he anticipated some impact, Mr. Trudgeon also noted it would affect other things that may be on the wish list. Councilmember Laliberte noted her need for additional information in the original rationale for funding 100% of single coverage. Councilmember Laliberte noted that the Public Works and Finance Departments had provided other options for entry level positions; and asked that other depart-