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It is clear that there will not be sufficient funds available to do everything that is desired by the <br />department heads, the citizens, or the City Council. In terms of employees, it would be a surprise if <br />additional employees were hired in 2004. In terms of wages and benefits for employees, it is hopeful <br />that "normal" adjustments can be made. By normal, what I mean is a 3% inflationary increase, pay <br />plan step increases and some additional monthly employer contribution to the insurance plan. <br />Estimates are being put together as to how much these "normal" increases are going to be in terms <br />of a general fund expenditure. If normal increases can not take place, then Council feedback on <br />priorities for increases in employee wages/benefits would be helpful to me in putting together the <br />2004 budget proposal. <br /> <br />Any Council comments on existing or desired services, programs, employees, or reorganization of <br />the city departments, whether it is for 2004 or 2006 or 2008 is always welcomed input. It is also <br />important for me to hear Council comments regarding programs or services that are no longer a <br />priority. <br /> <br />At this time, it also appears unlikely that the city will be able to balance the 2004 budget without use <br />of some city reserves. The logical source of reserves is the liquor store enterprise fund. Every <br />attempt possible will be made to keep the additional use of the liquor store reserves to a minimum. <br />(Liquor store funds in the amount of $145,000 were included as revenues in the original 2003 <br />adopted budget.) <br /> <br />The city still needs to certify its proposal maximum levy to the county by September 15. The f~rst <br />Council budget worksession is scheduled for August 25, 2003. <br /> <br />The 2004 budget is in the very early stages of being put together. 2004 is certainly not going to be a <br />typical budget year for the city but on the other hand, I do not believe that city programs and <br />services are going to be significantly impacted. City staff will be stretched very thin in 2004 but we <br />all look forward to better years ahead (for staffing levels) in 2005 and beyond. <br /> <br />S:~COUNCIL~Pat~Budget\ 714budgetupdate.doc <br /> <br /> <br />