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Councilmember Wise stated he has received resident comment that Ramsey has too much police <br />protection. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated the Council is elected to listen to the people and make the decision. He <br />explained "30/40/50" are targets. <br />Councilmember Wise indicated that without good roads the City will not get residential or <br />commercial development to grow the tax base. He stated Councilmember Strommen makes a <br />good point that there may need to be a "band aid" fix for now and he is a fan of the franchise fee <br />because it is all inclusive. Councilmember Wise felt there needed to be a known number that <br />will be collected every year regardless of valuations, to help with budgeting. He stated he hears <br />from residents all the time about buildings that do not pay taxes and a franchise fee would not be <br />from the general budget <br />Councilmember Backous stated he likes the attempt and thinks it is a good place to start, though <br />not all will agree with all the numbers. He stated he also agrees with Councilmember <br />Strommen's concerns about the economic development piece and need for those positions. <br />Councilmember Backous indicated that philosophically speaking, he agrees the City has to take <br />care of road reconstruction project funding and whether through the levy or part levy /part <br />franchise fee, it has to be done. He indicated he would not support a solution that includes <br />assessments because that process is inefficient and a waste of time. He agreed that a franchise <br />fee is a tax. Councilmember Backous acknowledged that Mayor Ramsey's proposal is driving <br />for an efficient budget process, whether it has a lot of cash or is lean. He noted an important <br />process will be educating the public about funding streets, whether through franchise fees or the <br />general levy. <br />Mayor Ramsey agreed the City always wants to be efficient and stated staff has done a good job <br />to still provide services and residents appear to be happy with what is going on. However, the <br />problem is the new $3 million cost that has to be covered. Mayor Ramsey stated the Council <br />needs to decide what to pay for and what to give up. <br />Councilmember Backous asked how the Council proposed to review staffs suggestions. <br />Mayor Ramsey suggested the Council reach consensus on the numbers and then let staff work on <br />the cuts needed to reach that number. He noted the Council needs to have understanding on <br />where it is comfortable with service levels. <br />City Administrator Ulrich reviewed that the Council had previously reached consensus that the <br />front counter staff was important so that was added back in. He indicated he was willing to work <br />with this proposal and do the best possible with current resources to accomplish what the <br />Council wants. If the Council is not satisfied, staff can reevaluate and make more <br />recommendations. City Administrator Ulrich stated he knows this budget is short in some areas <br />and staff needs to identify where to utilize resources the City already has to meet the Council's <br />objectives. He stated staff recognizes there is an economic slump and no one wants tax increases <br />and or service cuts. <br />City Council Work Session / March 20, 2012 <br />Page 4 of 12 <br />