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City Council Study Session — 09/19/OS DRAFT Minutes - Page 18 increase; and the need to address the entire budget, not just separate items. Councilmember Kough opined that the Fire Department was a valuable asset to the City; and opined that they are part-time employees; further opining that a pay raise for employees was more important, and something else may need to be cut, and charged the City Manager and Finance Director with achieving the Council's budget direction. Mayor Klausing directed staff to provide additional information to the City Council on specific implementation for possible future action; most likely using a phased approach. 8. Discuss 2006 City Budget 2006 City Budget Councilmembers Kough and �h�an requested additional staff input related to various 2006 budget projections (i.e., impact of recycling contract; and reconfiguration of the �T� position; elimination of the Community Development Department Assistant position; and the hiring of a Planning Assistant; and staff returning with specific adjustments for a 5% and a 7.5% levy increase). Councilmember Kough sought additional clarification on specific City Manager budget recommendations. Discussion included various assumptions and perspectives; process for determining a final budget and levy for 2006; target priorities; and achieving target budget without significant cuts in employees a�dlor employee benefits. City Manager Beets noted that he had presented four levy levels in July, utilizing the best guidance and Council consensus and priority information, without additional direction or recommendations from the City Council. Mayor Klausing expressed puzzlement regarding Council expectations of staff; opining it was the Council's duty to ina�e decisions and set priorities; with staff providing expense information for those items not fixed costs.