Minutes - Council - 11/22/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Hart stated that the Finance Committee was presented with a budget document. Motion by Councilmember Zimmerman to present the budget document at the public hearing at the maximum levy with changes incorporated in the schedule. Motion died for lack of a second. City Administrator Schroeder stated that Staff needs direction. Both positives and negatives have been presented. It will end up with a balanced budget at either levy. It would be our intent to make this adjustment for the November 30, 1994 public hearing. He stated we need to know what numbers to put before the public. Councilmember Hardin stated that the proposal made at the Finance Committee would keep the increase as low as possible. Motion by Councilmember Hardin and seconded by Mayor Gilbertson to adopt the budget as discussed and propose a tax increase of 3.5 percent. Further discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman felt that this would pass with a higher tax rate than in September. He also felt that this recommendation would not be the recommendation of the majority of the Council. Mayor Gilbertson stated that it has been four years that someone has not been here to vote on the tax levy. It throws a lot of heat on Councilmembers Zimmennan and Hardin. He added that he is soon done but that he is a citizen, therefore the tax rate still effects him. Mayor Gilbertson stated he realized things went up from the time it was first talked about. We try to spend the tax dollars as wisely as we can. He inquired of the amount the dollars would mean for each homeowner. Ms. Hart described what it would mean to each one. At the maximum levy, the City's share of the taxes will go up 6.8 percent. The lower amount, $33,000 less, the City's share would be 3.7 percent. Counciimember Hardin stated if you ask all the residents in the City what they want - 3.8 percent increase or a 6.7 percent increase, what do you think they would say? Consensus was that they would say 3.8 percent. Councilmember Hardin stated "I rest my ease". Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson and Councilmember Hardin. Voting No: Councilmember Zimmerman. Absent: Councilmembers Beyer and Peterson. Ms. Hart stated she would incorporate these changes and leave the contingency where ifs at. Ms. Hart stated that the fifth case presented to the Finance Committee was just a reminder of the upcoming Budget Public Hearing scheduled for November 30, 1994. Ms. Hart stated that the Finance Committee also reviewed the 1995 budget calendar and budget process and they asked that input be solicited from Staff members to get their feelings on how the process has gone. Case #5: Council Goals Workshop City Administrator Schroeder stated that Mayor-Elect Glen Hardin has requested that a team-building/goals workshop be held in 1994 to discuss Council direction for 1995 and beyond. City Council/November 22, 1994 Page 10 of 11