08-14-2006 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes August 14, 2006 Page 4 MOTION CARRIED 4-0. . 5.5. 2007 Budget City Administrator Lori Johnson stated that the purpose of tonight's discussion is to obtain feedback from the Council regarding the levy, new positions, capital outlay, and a presentation by Chief Beahen regarding new software for the Police Department. Ms. Johnson stated that she understood the Council wishes to have the tax rate for payable 2007 be the same as the payable 2005 tax rate. Jerry Kritzek ofSherbume County Assessor's office has indicated that the estimated market rate increase is 10.9% for taxes payable in 2007. Of that, 4.2% for existing value and the remaining 6.7 percent is for new construction. She stated that Mr. Kritzek estimates that the net capacity,~ go up 8 - 9%. Ms. Johnson noted that last year building inspection and related costs exceeded the revenue received in 2005. Commissioner Motin stated that he would like to keep the levy at 8% with a goal to get it back down to the 2005 rate. Ms. Johnson reminded the Council that if it is determined that the NTC is 12% in December, they would not be able to increase the levy. Department Head Requested Staff Additions Ms. Johnson reviewed the 2007 requested staff additions. She explained that the Fire Department and Building Maintenance Departments are proposing to share the Office Assistant position. She noted that the Street Superintendent is also looking at an option to contract for some of their needs, such as sealcoating. . Commissioner Farber asked if the positions are requested to start January 1, 2007. Fire Chief West and Street Superintendent Hals stated that they were flexible in the timing of new hirings. Mayor Klinzing asked if Mr. Hals would continue the contract through the winter. Mr. Hals explained that they have discussed having this person using a pickup and plow or a I-ton and plow to plow cul-de-sacs. Chief West stated that he could wait for his staff person, and felt that staffing the Street Department was more of a need for January 1 for snowplowing. He explained that his equipment request includes a computer and office furniture for the office assistant position. Ms. Johnson explained how the duties of Tonya Love of the Parks & Recreation Department would be expanded. She noted that the total cost of the requested staff additions is approximately $160,000 and that if they wait to hire for the positions until sometime into 2007, the cost will be even less. She felt that the department heads have been working together to reduce number of new positions needed by being flexible and sharing positions. Ms. Johnson noted that employee l<andy Nash is currently working at Pinewood and would be available to help the Building Maintenance Department with cleaning in the winter months. .