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Special City Council Strategic Planning Meeting Saturday, February 7, 2009 Page 16 functions and expenses in the Public Works and Parks & Maintenance departments; fee structures of the Parks function balanced with the public's ability to pay; how to identify and utilize additional revenue sources; and identifying areas beyond core services in all departments that need to be paid for by tax dollars and/or fees, not just continuing to be traditionally provided free of charge. Mayor Klausing noted his strong advocacy in not using reserves as a long-term funding strategy, identifying this situation as precisely the intended function of those reserves as a way to address unexpected crises. Mayor Klausing concurred with Councilmember Roe's comments, and opined that it was disingenuous of the state to put municipalities in the untenable position be eliminating levy funds, and then passing along further reductions to municipalities. Mayor Klausing further opined that he may support some level of reserve fund use, but would not support that as the sole solution without considering other service or program reductions. Mayor Klausing complimented staff on their job of attempting to insulate citizens from the impacts; however, opined that they may have done too good of a job in providing that insulation with the public not experiencing significant property tax increases or having realistic expectations of the cost of providing services. Mayor Klausing advised that he would support looking at reductions that wouldn't adversely impact the long-term health of the City, while recognizing the unfortunate need to look at increased frustrations for citizens (i.e., waiting for reports). Mayor Klausing opined that Roseville citizens had previously expressed their willingness to pay a higher level than they are currently paying; and suggested having this same meeting in select areas of the community to achieve better dialogue from residents in the community. Mayor Klausing further opined that there was no right answer, but that the City Council needed to hear if the citizens wanted a lower level of service based on current costs and economic conditions; or whether they supported a higher level of service and were willing to pay for it. Mayor Klausing advised that this would provide the City Council with their marching directions accordingly based on the community's choices. City Manager Malinen opined that receiving such community feedback was part. of what he'd envisioned for the budgeting for outcomes process; and expressed staff's willingness to follow the City Council's direction in obtaining that feedback. Councilmember Roe opined that the City Council needed to hear what citizens were willing to pay for what level of service; but also needed to hear what citizens were willing to give up or not pay for, based on the examples provided by staff. Chief Sletner advised that, in her face to face conversations with citizens, she repeatedly heard that citizens loved their City and were willing to pay for it and their quality of life. Chief Sletner spoke in support of meeting with the citizens; and questioned if it wouldn't be easier to receive that feedback through a survey.