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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 21, 2009 Page 10 budget represents monies essentially committed and not within the City's control; and that no new programs or expenses were added for 2010; with the City actually reducing its operating budget to provide additional funding for those obligations. Mr. Malinen ex- pressed appreciation to the City's Department Heads and their staff for their creativity and willingness to bring the City toward a more sustainable budget in the future. Councilmember Roe thanked Mr. Miller and Mr. Malinen for their comprehensive work on the proposed budget; and asked that they briefly address their recommended adjust- ments in both structural and non-structural or temporary categories. Discussion included the $400,000 reductions taken in the spring of 2009 from tax- supported budgets to address unallotment by the State of tax-supported funds, those of a permanent nature and those only temporary and impacts to program and service levels in various departments and for the community and detailed in Attachment F (Exhibits A and B). Councilmember Ihlan sought the total proposed levy dollar amount for 2010 for the City and the HRA combined as compared to the 2009 total amount to calculate the proposed percentage levy increase. Mr. Miller advised that the levy dollar amount proposed for both the City and HRA com- bined would total $14,653,500, an increase of $1,256,640 or a 9.4% levy increase from 2009. Public Comments Carol Sletner, resident of Roseville Ms. Sletner spoke in support of a budget that maintained or possibly improved upon cur- rent service levels. Ms. Sletner advised that she had high expectations of the City's pub- lic safety departments for prompt, efficient and effective public safety services for 9-1-1; safe streets that were cleared of snow; adequate water and sewer services; regular upkeep of recreational areas; and support for other areas of the City (i.e., Finance, Administra- tion, and Community Development) to ensure the City's progress and to keep it running smoothly. While understanding the current economy, Ms. Sletner offered her support of a minimal tax increase to facilitate efficient and effective local government services. Councilmember Ihlan noted statements made in the Request for Council Action related to increases for typical homeowners and assumptions made on those property values actu- ally declining, while not applicable to all taxpayers. Councilmember Ihlan referenced in- formation provided at a previous meeting by resident Dick Lambert on the ability of resi- dents to pay higher taxes based on stagnant wages or loss of jobs in the community. Councilmember Ihlan reiterated that the proposed tax levy was recommended to increase by 9.4% from 2009 and sought to make that clear to taxpayers, opining that it had not been very clear in the process to-date. Adopt Resolutions Approving the 2010 Final Tax Levy, 2010 Final Budget and 2010 Final Debt Levy