CC_Minutes_2007_1203 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Truth-in-Tazation Hearing and Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 03, 2007 Page 4 in question. Mayor Klausing encouraged Ms. Kossan to provide contact information to Mr. Miller for further follow-up by staff or Mayor Klausing. Merle Gaedy, 901 Grandview Avenue Mr. Gaedy questioned what he was receiving for his increased taxes; when it appeared that only inflation was being met. Mr. Gaedy opined that, if property values were in- creasing, why weren't those increased values lowering property taxes accordingly if there were no new initiatives being created; and questioned the necessity of an allotted $80,000 "slush fund." Mayor Klausing clarified the contingency fund for unanticipated expenses, and didn't serve as a "slush fund." Councilmember Ihlan clarified that the contingency fund, while spending was determined by the City Council through their budget oversight, could also be spent by various de- partments. Mr. Gaedy opined that he wanted to support the City as much as possible; however, noted that he'd received a substantial increase this year, and had expected some new initiatives to warrant that increase, not just increased personnel; energy and fuel costs. Mayor Klausing shared Mr. Gaedy's frustrations in continuing increases for labor and healthcare; and only being able to maintain services, or needing to decrease service levels to keep the levy in line. Mayor Klausing advised that the line-item budget information was available at City Hall, on the website, or from staff for all departments. Mayor Klausing opined that taxpayer money was being spent on citizens, infrastructure and ser- vices; and noted that spending was community-based decision-making, and encouraged continued community input. Councilmembers Roe and Ihlan expressed their individual interest in further public com- ment and consideration of the preliminary budget before final adoption on December 17, 2007. Councilmember Pust opined that keeping a contingency fund, while not interesting to most citizens, was prudent, and was something that needed correction within the budget to comply with City policy and protection of the citizens and their investments. John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street Mr. Kysylyczyn expressed frustration in the lack of public comment sought, prior to to- night's state-mandated public hearing, on the proposed budget and levy; opining that it reflected poorly on the City Council's process. Mayor Klausing opined that many opportunities had been provided, through public com- ment, a-mail or written comment, individual contact with staff and/or Councilmembers, as well as individual agenda items over the last few months.