CC_Minutes_2008_1117 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 17, 2008 Page 22 continue to provide other services to retain the community's quality of life. Councilmember Roe noted that the City received its money from taxpay- ers, residents and businesses in the community, and opined that the City Council needed to be respectful of them, and be responsive to reduced property values and their ability to pay taxes and user fees. Discussion continued on property values and impacts to tax levies; and concerns with expenditures increasing faster than the rate of tax base growth. Councilmember Willmus opined that, historically, this region had been buffered from economic upswings and downswings; however, further opined that this time, as major employers left the state, those impacts to local communities, including Roseville, would be felt. Councilmember Willmus opined that, during such an economic cycle, it was not the time to expand municipal government, but to responsibly retract municipal gov- ernment. Councilmember Willmus concurred with Councilmembers Roe and Pust and the directions they were indicating. Councilmember Will- mus referenced previously voiced concerns from former Councilmember Dean Maschka related to current financial conditions. Councilmember Willmus concurred that the City's labor force needed to be seriously re- viewed. Mayor Klausing thanked individual Councilmembers for the thoughtful discussion and points made. Mayor Klausing opined that during economic downturns, it was prudent for the City to ensure the viability of its infra- structure programs. City Manager Malinen clarified that the proposed 2009 budget was not an expansion of government, but was a status quo budget. Mr. Malinen noted that by retaining the City's employee wage/benefit structure it allowed the City to maintain quality employees. City Manager Malinen further noted that this 2009 budget was the City's first attempt at pursuing "budgeting for outcomes" as previously dis- cussed, and proposed to be implemented over the next three years. Mr. Malinen encouraged Councilmembers to engage in further discussion to assess the City's level of services with the community's expectations and associated costs, as well as levy limits. City Manager Malinen advised that staff would research and provide the requested additional information for Councilmembers to continue their discussions and decision-making.