08-22-2005 CC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 4 August 22, 2005 ----------------------------- Councilmember Dietz asked about the equipment certificate structure and current interest rates. Ms. Johnson noted that the structure is flexible for equipment certificates depending on our needs and further indicated that at some time in the future, levy limits could be a factor in whether or not equipment certificates are necessary for the city to meet its capital needs. Councilmember Dietz stated that interest payments on equipment certificates may be less than the maintenance expense that is incurred by having older equipment. Councilmember Farber asked whether or not the draft budget included enough funding to cover the higher gas prices that we are seeing. Chief Beahen indicated that his projection was based on $2.50 per gallon. Councilmember Dietz indicated he supports the purchase of the CSO vehicles and asked for an update of the downtown parking situation. Chief Beahen indicated that it has been a learning process for everyone involved and that the overall situation is improving. Councilmember Dietz asked about the City Hall mowing contract. Mr. Maertz responded that the level of care necessary is beyond the time available with park employees and that the park employees and equipment are geared toward mowing large open spaces. Mayor Klinzing concurred that the City Hall and Library need to have a more professional appearance. The city administrator advised the Council that the draft budget does not include any funding for contracted services with the Boys & Girls Club. There is $12,000 in the landfill budget for programs provided by the Boys & Girls Club but nothing is in the general fund in 2006. There was $24,000 for these contracted services in the 2005 budget. The city administrator also noted that the city has received a request from Charlotte Strei, Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for funding in 2006 and that this is also not in the budget at this time. The city administrator indicated that, assuming a zero city tax rate change, staff would proceed with addressing the 2006 budget gap as follows: 1.any increase from the 10% NTC growth amount would be applied to the general fund; 2.$650,850 worth of capital outlay would be removed from the general fund; and 3.funding for the 2005 payment for the fire truck would come from reserves so that these tax revenues could go into the general fund. The majority of the Council concurred with this approach. The budget will be discussed by the City Council at the September 12, 2005 worksession and hopefully an update can be provided at the regular meeting on September 6, 2005.