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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 13, 2017 Page 6 done in the past, including bonding over the last few years that don't track infla- tion,but included City Council decisions. Councilmember Laliberte thanked the commission for their recommendation and thought process in making it over the next three years to get to where the city needed to be with the CIP. While not being able to predict what may happen next year, Councilmember Laliberte noted the need to refrain from further increasing the City Manager's recommended budget, a clear responsibility of the City Coun- cil. Councilmember McGehee stated that she wasn't as confident as her colleague on who is or is not on the City Council, especially since this body had made many long-term investments and bonds that created long-term impacts on residents over the last decade. Councilmember McGehee shared her oft-spoken concerns re- garding dipping into reserves without replenishing them the following year, opin- ing that using reserves for operating budget expenses was not sound financial or budgetary planning. Councilmember McGehee further shared her concerns in be- ing able to maintain in perpetuity what was built and be aware of that before mak- ing decisions to proceed. Given past decisions of the City Council, Councilmem- ber McGehee stated her preference to not embark on any more capital programs until the city could catch up and break the pattern of increasing expenses annually rather than paying off that debt in a more timely fashion. Councilmember Etten thanked the commission for the work they do and great service they provided to the City Council and community. Mayor Roe agreed, noting that while truly appreciating the recommendations of the commission, the ultimate City Council decision may or may not match; but didn't dishonor the thorough thought process provided through their work. Councilmember Laliberte also noted that the $250,000 investment annually would be decided by whoever was serving as council members at that time. Councilmember Willmus stated his appreciation for the commission's recommen- dation to spread things out over several years. Councilmember Willmus stated his frustration in the interpretation that a use of reserves in one year needed to be paid back in future years, outlining how that excess money came into play. Coun- cilmember Willmus agreed that the use of reserves to sustain operations in some years was a different matter. Councilmember Willmus also agreed that the city needed to do a better job in prioritizing CIP needs and maintenance assets going forward; depending on city staff to advise the City Council based on their day-to- day expertise with operations. Councilmember Willmus suggested future work- shops to prioritize CIP needs.