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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 5, 2016 Page 21 Mayor Roe opined that by using some of those reserves for the CIP Fund and ad- dressing Park CIP needs as well, it could provide some levy relief to several of those funds still in somewhat precarious situations. Specific to the COLA situation, Mayor Roe recognized the policy in place, with the CPI index at 1.5%, and Councilmember Willmus' recommended 2% a little ahead of that, but the City Manager's recommended 2.75 too far ahead from his perspective. Mayor Roe stated that he would be amenable to something in be- tween, but would still suggest any COLA increase be funded from carry forward monies. In conclusion, Mayor Roe stated his support for using carry forward funding, and allocating any additional carry forward not yet allotted for the CIP. Mayor Roe clarified that all decisions were not necessary tonight, but could be accomplished through subsequent Council actions in 2017 with those additional reserves re- maining in the General Fund until such action is taken. Mayor Roe stated that he could support Councilmember Willmus' motion; with the caveat that the City Council pay close attention in the next several years with the levy and funding city activities, since he didn't support the proposal lightly without that annual check in place. Councilmember Etten clarified that the actual carry forward from 208 to 2012 was in reality only $28,000, not the $800,000 presented by his colleague. Amendment to the Motion (Etten) Etten moved, McGehee seconded, using only an additional $200,000 from re- serves, or one-time money beyond staff s proposal; and allowing a 2.25% COLA increase for non-union employees in 2017; adjusting the levy increase accordingly. Finance Director Miller estimated that by reducing the COLA to 2.25% for non- union employees, it would represent a change of $50,000; and if using another $200,000 from reserves, it would total $600,000; and result in a 4.2% levy in- crease versus the 3% proposed by Councilmember Willmus through his motion; and provide just under $800,000 for the 2017 levy increase. Councilmember McGehee opined it was a compromise, and she didn't like it. Councilmember Willmus opined that his proposal for a 3% levy increase was still running three times the rate of inflation over the last twelve months, and spoke in support of his original proposal; while stating he might be inclined to adjust the COLA to 2.25% as long as the 3% levy increase was covered overall through car- ry forward funds.