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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 10, 2007 Page 15 Mayor Klausing cautioned Councilmembers to make their determina- tions on whether these services or personnel were needed, rather than attempting to lower the levy increase percentage. Councilmember Pust recognized Mayor Klausing's rationale in pro- viding services and programs that the citizens wanted; however, opined that the overriding deciding factor was what the citizens were willing to pay for in real costs, and for all taxing jurisdictions (mu- nicipal, county, school district, and HRA). Mayor Klausing concurred; however, noted comments heard through- out the community regarding their desire for additional services; and highlighted one example for safety concerns and the need for an ATV for police officers to access parks (i.e., Acorn Park). Mayor Klausing suggested that additional expenditures be included in the not-to- exceed preliminary levy and budget, with citizens encouraged to comment on that proposal prior to adoption of the final budget and levy in December. Additional discussion included property taxes relative to income lev- els; levy increases and impacts to the overall tax bill based on market value of properties; costs versus benefits and impacts on individual taxpayers; and the need for more in-depth discussion and additional fine-tuning of this preliminary not-to-exceed budget and levy. Mayor Klausing requested that Mr. Miller provide his written re- sponses to Councilmember Pust's written questions provided to staff earlier today for all Councilmembers. Councilmember Kough spoke in support of an Assistant City Manager position, compensation and adjusted job description; reductions in fuel and emergency vehicle costs through reduced patrol vehicles from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 a.m.; spoke in opposition to an ATV for patrolling parks; and spoke in support of using motorcycles for patrol- ling parks and remote areas through purchase of a motorcycle or do- nation of one. Councilmember Kough cautioned Councilmembers on changes in cable franchise fees, and potential impacts on staffing and communication fund expenditures utilizing those franchise fees.