6.2. SR 07-21-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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content was covered, the number of participants in attendance, and a detailed expenditure report for each program before receiving payment from the City. There were some cases in the past that the Boys and Girls Club was not able or did not provide that documentation so the Club did not receive the full funding from the City. The current request from the Boys and Girls Club is for $10,330 in 2008 and $40,070 in 2009. Neither of these funding requests is included in the City's budget. The Council is well aware of the budget issues the City is facing in both 2008 and 2009. Any funding to the Boys and Girls Club in 2008 may result in either a reduction in City services to residents or a reduction in the General Fund balance if revenues continue to lag behind projections as expected. This request comes at a time when staff is diligently reviewing current year expenditures to find ways to reduce expenditures without impacting services to offset increased fuel and operating costs and reduced revenues. Plus, there are two staff positions that remain unfilled due to budget concerns. Next year's budget is not yet balanced so adding an additional $40,070 in funding for the Boys and Girls Club will require either a tax increase or a reduction ui current services. If the Council wants to pay for programming at the Club, staff will suggest budget adjustments for Council approval to reallocate money to the Boys and Girls Club. Further, when this request was originally discussed in May, the Council suggested other partnerships that the Boys and Girls Club should explore such as working with the YMCA and Sherburne County. The Boys and Girls Club programs serve the surrounding area, not just Elk River residents. For that reason, some Council members have suggested that they would be more open to supporting the Boys and Girls Club programs by providing a match to Sherburne County's funding. At the Council meeting Mr. Solomon can provide an update on the progress he has had in developing these partnerships. Finally, a decision does not need to be made on this item on Monday. If the Council would like to deliberate following the presentation from the Boys and Girls Club, this item can be put on a future agenda. This is particularly true for the 2009 request -that can be discussed when the budget comes back to the Council for review in September before approving the maximum tax levy. However, if the Council wants to approve the funding now, the request should be approved with the stipulation that proper documentation be provided and approved by the City before reimbursement is made and that the funds be used for programming at the Elk River Club.