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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 23, 2009 Page 23 difficult to tell from the BFO process. Mr. Willmus, related to the 10-year CIP, questioned if the City Council had undertaken a priority process on that, and if not, why; and questioned whether any labor costs were built into the CIP and should be extrapolated. Mr. Willmus further asked, as the City Council continues the process, if it was possible for the City Council to carry forward the 2009 budget into 2010 and amend it at later point when agreement was reached, still carrying forward the maximum preliminary levy amount of 9%, but subsequently reducing it based on further discussion down the road. At the directive of Mayor Klausing, Mr. Miller responded that, under state law, the City Council was required to adopt an annual budget, but subsequent to that requirement, the City Council retained the discretion to amend the budget at any time. Mr. Miller advised that the City Council could adopt the 2009 budget by resolution at their December 21, 2009 meeting as well as a final tax levy; but clarified that the levy could not change after January 2, 2010. Mayor Klausing questioned what this would accomplish other than postponing the decision-making process. Councilmember Ihlan, referencing the CIP, clarified her understanding of the City Council's acceptance and approval of the ten year plan, was that any capital deci- sions had to have specific City Council action at the time they were expended; with the plan serving as an outline of projected needs, but that the City Council didn't sign off on ten years' worth of capital improvements. Councilmember Ih- lan opined that, even though those capital items had not yet been prioritized, they should be done on an annual basis. Councilmember Roe opined that a hiring freeze or step increase freeze would not zero out the levy increase. Councilmember Roe deferred to staff's analysis of where additional adjustments could be made. Councilmember Pust opined that a freeze of step increases should be on the list. Councilmember Ihlan sought a census of her suggestion to look at reserves. Mayor Klausing opined that he was opposed to spending reserves. Councilmember Ihlan requested a list of capital expenditures included in the pro- posed 2010 budget for City Council consideration to determine if they should be funded from reserves. Councilmember Roe supported Councilmember Ihlan's request. 11. Public Hearings