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REQUESTFORCOUNCILACTION Date: 12/I 6i1002 Item No: VI, q, Ze Approval: Manager Approved: Agenda Section: �� ` i�! �� .�l�� Hearings Item Description: Adopting the 2003 Tax Levy and Budget Introduction In accordance with State Statute, the 2003 Tax Levy and Budget are submitted for Council approval. The adoption of next year's tax levy and budget culminates a lengthy period of evaluation of all City services and programs, comments and suggestions by the Community, and numerous budget meetings with the City Council. At the December 9, 2002 Council Meeting, and over the course of the budgeting cycle, Council Members have expressed their desired funding level for next year's tax levy and budget. The range was somewhat widespread however there appeared to be a majority opinion in support of a zero-levy increase from 2002. In addition, there appeared to be a majority opinion supporting budget modifications submitted by Staff based on their collective expertise. Based on these events, Staff has modified the tax levy and budget to accommodate a zero-levy increase. The modified budget includes the following changes: ❑ Funding for Contingency purposes has been reduced by $100,000. This leaves $65,000 in funds set aside for unforeseen circumstances, which is approximately 0.22% of the operating budget (excluding debt service and TIF payments). The City has e�sting reserves that would be available, in the event that additional unplanned expenditures arise. ❑ Funding for an additional police officer in the amount of $43,17 1 has been eliminated. The appropriation for an Administrative Sergeant position remains, as does the decision not to fill the Deputy Police Chief position. The additional police officer would have been the only ��kiti�tnw�tln�heC�'mtg�.ncil's desire to minimize and/or reduce overall spending, it would be difficult to justify funding for new Staff or programs at the expense of existing ones. 0 Funding for the Roseville Ambassador Foundation in the amount of $4,000 has been eliminated. Although the amount is relatively sma11, it maintains the principle of not fundin n� ew brograms at the expense of existing ones. The changes noted above provides for a zero-levy increase. It's worth noting, that it may be feasible to restore these program cuts without affecting taxes if the City receives Local Government Aid (LGA), or through the course of the budget year, operational savings are realized.