City Council Packet 09-15-2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 3 of 4 September 2, 2025 11. WORK SESSION 1 1.1 2026 Budget Discussion Mayor Dietz provided a handout of his budget cut recommendations. He noted the following: ■ Take $450,000 from the liquor store fund instead of $850,000. ■ Take $200,000 from the General Fund Reserve, which will still leave it at 41-42%. ■ $250,000 in budget cuts in employee -requested positions. ■ $200,000 in items that can be prepaid in 2025. He further stated he could not find many items to prepay. He noted that, even with all these suggested changes, the city would still be at a 5.4% budget increase. He was hoping for a levy increase of about 4%. Councilmember Wagner concurred with not adding positions. She was hoping we could prepay more than $200,000 of any one-time purchases from the 2025 budget. She noted a significant amount of new software and technology being requested and asked if all had to be implemented this year. The Council asked for a chart listing software charges. Mr. Portner stated it may be difficult to complete before the next budget meeting. Councilmember Grupa stated that he is not in favor of any new technology if the Council can't have the data to make an informed decision. Councilmember Beyer stated he would like to revisit the liquor store fund balance year -over -year. Councilmember Wagner questioned the purchase of the Celebrate software and whether staff could work with the county to get the cell phone data needed in less than 72 hours. Mr. Portner explained the proposed personnel changes. He noted the added accountant cost will be partially offset by moving the parks and rec admin/finance assistant out of the General Fund and to the Liquor Fund to handle liquor invoices. He stated the fire administration assistant is being hired as a part- time employee, which would offset some of the cost of the new fire position. The Council asked for updated data on these positions. The Council concurred with scheduling a special budget meeting for September 15 at 4:00 p.m. The Council concurred that a 4 % levy increase would be the goal. Councilmember Beyer asked Mr. Portner to provide options to reduce the budget to get to 4%. Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adjourn the meeting of City Council. Motion Carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Minutes prepared by City Clerk Tina Allard. Page 7 of 556