Minutes - Council - 09/10/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. PUBLIC HEARING - None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Adopt Resolutions Approving Proposed 2014 Payable Tax Levies and Schedule Public Meeting for December 10, 2013 Finance Director Lund presented the proposed 2014 payable tax levies totaling $8,723,341, reflecting a 9.07% increase over the adopted levy in 2013. The majority of the increase is due to the Municipal Center Debt Service being levied at its full debt service amount of $1,018,063 versus $492,629 in 2013. Staff recommended the public hearing be scheduled for the City Council's December 10, 2013 meeting with adoption of the 2014 General Fund Budget and levy to immediately follow. It was noted the levies can be reduced prior to City Council adoption on December 10, 2013. Councilmembers Tossey and Backous indicated they will support the 2013 payable tax levy as it lowers the tax capacity rate almost one percentage point; however, both would like the EDA levy lowered or eliminated prior to final adoption. Councilmember Riley noted this levy is almost $1 million below the limit and the tax rate is going down, resulting in a decrease in City taxes. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to adopt Resolution #13 -09 -154 Approving the Proposed 2013, Payable 2014, Tax Levy, and schedule the public hearing for the City Council's December 10, 2013, meeting; and, to adopt Resolution #13 -09- 155 Approving the Proposed 2013, Payable 2014 EDA tax levy based on the recommendation of the EDA Committee. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, Kuzma, Backous, Johns, LeTourneau, and Tossey. Voting No: None. 7.02: Review and Adopt Proposed 2014 General Fund Budget Finance Director Lund presented the 2014 General Fund Budget of $9,894,184, a decrease of $399,653, or 3.88 %, over the adopted 2013 General Fund Budget. She answered questions of the City Council relating to the change in the overall personnel line item from $5,806,331 in 2013 to $6,235,216 in 2014, or a difference of just under $400,000. It was noted this cost is partially attributable to additional staff positions (25 -hour per week Office Assistant, part time IT Tech, five position reclassifications, seven interns, and a patrol officer to start June 1 to bring police staffing to prior levels) and an increase in salary and cost of benefits (health insurance). The Council acknowledged the staff increase is not a result of adding many staff positions but only those positions needed to accomplish the Council's Strategic Plan and Goals. The action City Council / September 10, 2013 Page 4 of 8