Agenda - Council - 06/10/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Work Session Minutes October 30, 2007 4) 2008 General. Fund Budget Finance Officer Lund stated that the City proposed a tax capacity rate of 39.4, but the rate came back from the County at 39.07 so it is slightly lower than planned. She stated that the City's portion of taxes will go up from 41.5 cents to 41.6 cents, but noted that the school levy vote is coming up so this amount could change. She stated that everything is comparable to where the City was last year Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that $940,000 will be transferred out of the 2008 equipment revolving fund. She stated that there are some issues that staff would like some direction as the City moves into the truth in taxation hearing and budget adoption scheduled for December 11, 2007. She stated that staff is proposing a 1/2 time new position for a new patrol officer to begin in July 2008. She stated that they are also suggesting a change in the sealcoating /street maintenance funding. She stated staff would like to reduce all assessments by 1/7, so after 7 years, street maintenance could be completely paid for out of the general fund. Public Works Director Olson stated that this would mean one more assessment for every resident. Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that the last thing staff is recommending is a lawful gambling contribution of $17,000 towards youth programs. Councilmember Elvig asked what the dollar amounts were for the 1/2 time police officer and the sealcoating street maintenance program. Assistant City Administrator stated that the 1/2 time police position would be $29,177 and the sealcoating would be $12,900. Councilmember Look stated that he doesn't understand how the suggested sealcoating plan would be fair to residents. Public Works Director Olson stated that residents paid full price the last time the road was sealcoated and the longer they go, the less they will pay, percentage wise, on sealcoating. He admitted that this would not be absolutely fair. He stated that the City looks at every road and tries to do them every 7 years or so. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that he likes the idea because it gives the City time to absorb these costs. Councilmember Strommen stated that she also likes this approach. Police Chief Way gave some background information on the justification for a new 1/2 time position officer. He reviewed the definitions of Part 1 and Part 2 offenses. He noted that