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City Council Regular Meeting — 09/26/OS DRAFT Minutes - Page 27 Councilmember Schroeder requested that one-time costs be investigated by using the Tax Reduction Fund, similar to the Pavement Management Plan (PMP) Fund; and requested that staff research those one-time costs and the impact to the overall budget. Mayor Klausing requested that the information be submitted to staff and Council by memo to better define the requests. Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of the motion; expressing her willingness to look at all options. Councilmember Kough opined his support for use of reserves to keep taxes lower. Roll Call Ayes: Maschka; Schroeder; Ihlan; Kough and Klausing. Nays: None. Councilmember Ihlan sought additional clarification from staff as to new obligations in tax supported programs as outlined in City Manager Beets' memo; and for more definition from staff in writing at a future meeting as to those items that are new spending, or those that are ongoing obligations. Councilmember Ihlan also sought clarification on those items that could be deferred or other alternatives, such as drawing on reserves on a one-time basis. Councilmember Ihlan also questioned if a contingency fund was built into the proposed budget and how much it was; how it was computed and how it fits into the overall budget. Further discussion included the wellness program and impacts to the City's health insurance premiums; election costs; and inflationary costs for fuel and utilities. Mayor Klausing observed and opined that the City has continually cut back on spending, and the "easy" picks had already been reduced or eliminated, thus making the decision- making more difficult and unpopular. Mayor Klausing further opined that the City had been well-managed by past Council's and staffs, and had never had an excessive budget. �