09/07/94 Staff Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Engineer Jankowsld stated Ramsey is one of the lower taxed municipalities and 8% seems reasonable. Ms. McAloney stated that we should recommend 8% only if we think we need an 8% increase. Mr. Gustafson agreed with 8%. Economic Development Coordinator C-romberg stated he agrees with Kay. What we think it should be, put it there - if we need something - we will have to cut something else. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated she can see picking a number (8%) if you are building in the cushion - but it's human instinct - if we have it, we spend it. She stated she wants a reason for the spending. Mr. Boos stated he would second Kay's motion. The socially responsible thing would be to limit public spending - not raise taxes. Ms. Hart stated we need a minimum of 4.5% to cover the new officer's wages. We have given Council a list. I feel it's necessary to give them that leeway. We are comfortable with what we are presenting. I am comfortable with an 8% increase. I think the resolution should be adopted at a maximum of 8% increase. She stated page 20 of the packet of information is the list. ff they pass an 8% increase, it would give us room to negotiate the budget. Eight percent gets the City another $33,000. If Council feels they want to add these items back in, this shows them a way to do that. Ms. Frolik suggested just adding it back in because Council will say we will find some way to use it. Mr. Schroeder stated his recommendation is the 4.5% ultimately. The new officer is creating a 4.5% increase and it should be recognized. If I was running for Council, I would approve of 4.5%. If I am not sure, I would put something a little higher. Eight percent in an election year is high. A Staff member inquired if Council could say something different and then Staff could come back. Ms. Hart stated the amount has to be certified to the County. Mr. Schroeder stated that Council could change the number to say 5%. Ms. Hart stated that the Charter requires this to be done at the first meeting in September. The City Administrator has to present a proposed balanced budget. Ms. McAloney asked what if they say we want the officer but we do not want an increase. Mr. Schroeder stated that Staff would have to cut $43,000 out of its proposed budget. We have a lot of opportunities to cut $43,000 from the budget. We could actually cut $200,000 out of this budget - is it a good idea - probably not. Ms. Hart stated she agrees with the 4.5% but thinks we need the "cushion" there. She felt Council's goal is to have the tax levy at or below the mean. We are there. Their other objective is to provide adequate levels of services. There are varying opinions on the Council as individuals, but as a group, she felt they believe the City is providing an Staff Budget Meeting/September 7, 1994 Page 3 of 5