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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 14, 2009 Page 13 to provide transparency for taxpayers. Councilmember Roe spoke in support of getting back on track with depreciation; however opined that in this economic climate, not big steps, recognizing that while the economy appears to moving ahead, it is not yet apparent to individual taxpayers. Councilmember Roe further opined that the City Council needed to be aware of what taxpayers were willing and able to pay; while having the discipline down the road to deal with issues more appropriately. Klausing moved, Johnson seconded, adoption of Resolution No. _ entitled, "Resolution Submitting the Preliminary Property Tax Levy on Real Estate to the Ramsey County Auditor for the Fiscal Year of 2010;" in the amount of $14,841,860. Mayor Klausing recognized individual Councilmember comments and their dis- cussion points; and spoke in support of the motion, opining that it was a conserva- tive approach at a level where sufficient funds were initiated to meet long-term capital needs, while addressing the more immediate operational needs now. Mayor Klausing concurred with Councilmember Roe's rational approach in the BFO process; however, suggested that Councilmember's also be aware of Rose- ville taxpayers' higher than average wages and lower average property tax rates. Mayor Klausing also asked Councilmembers to be aware of what the taxpayers expected for services; and the need to provide those services, particularly during poor economic times. Councilmember Johnson noted that the City Council had the responsibility to set up a framework higher than allowable, and expressed his willingness to discuss Councilmember Roe's ideas during the BFO process; however, spoke in support of the motion. Public Comment Gary Grefenberg, 91 Mid Oaks Lane Mr. Grefenberg spoke to the City of Roseville's highest senior population propor- tionate to other metropolitan-area communities, and proposed zero percent in- crease in Social Security benefits in 2010; while the MN employment rate had drastically increased. Mr. Grefenberg referenced staff's price comparisons in their memo (page 4). Mr. Grefenberg opined that this economy was not the time to propose a 14% preliminary levy increase; and provided comparable preliminary levy amounts from surrounding communities and their average single-digit in- creases; further opining that the City needed to live within a budget the taxpayer could afford. Mr. Grefenberg asked that the City Council use budget discipline in their preliminary levy as had been done in other surrounding communities. Councilmember Pust noted that the HRA levy was on top of the proposed 14% levy, and would be a separate action, and not constrained by levy limits. Coun- cilmember Pust sought clarification on commercial property tax capacities and potential challenges in their values, based on current vacancies levels.