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LRRWMO Meeting Minutes January 21, 1993 Page 5 a budget as small as this he has a concern that even one project with which this board might get involved could eat up our engineering budget and a lot more in a short time. Weaver felt it is good insurance to have a little fiscal room which this budget affords us; even what we do have does not leave much room. Weaver stated he would much prefer to have a budget with some flexibility, especially if we for some reason have to use the LRRWMO legal counsel extensively. Jankowski indicated Weaver had a good point, adding he informed his Budget Committee the LRRWMO is not a tax and spend organization; when, in fact, it tends to be a tax and save organization. He went on to report that the Ramsey City Administrator merely expressed his concern on behalf of the city that if the budget is there, there is sometimes a tendency to spend it. While the Ramsey City Administrator was reportedly assured that this board was not of that nature, a certain trepidation still remained that the possibility exists that any new members to the board may not be of a like nature. Jankowski stated his City Administrator indicated he would rather the LRRWMO go back to the cities if more money is needed. Schrantz felt such a request would be extremely difficult for member cities in that their city budgets are already set. Ottensman noted that the budget for engineering commission meeting attendance was only $1,500 back in 1991; a very insignificant amount. He concurred with the board's previous decision to wait until the second half membership billings go out, at which time the LRRWMO will take a look at how the 1992 expenditures finished out. He stated right now it looks to be over budget. However, Ottensman stated, he would be willing to take a second look at the budget at that time. Any immediate action to reduce these budget figures would be premature until we close the books out for fiscal year 1992. Knutson addressed the issue of operating"cash available. He' cautioned that any project which might arise and involve the LRRWMO attorney might take care of that operating cash. Knutson added that the basic reason for increasing member city assessments was to avoid taking money out of reserves. Jankowski queried how big a reserve fund this organization should retain. Knutson stated the unknown costs are an issue this board must consider. Weaver recalled whereby our attorney informed the board that it is not in the business to merely comply with the laws but to make sure ground and surface water is properly managed.