Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/10/2013

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Mayor Strommen stated it is also consistent with the Council's direction to keep the tax rate the same as 2013. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he appreciates the Council's direction and thanked staff for its work to meet that directive. Councilmember Riley stated he would like the budget reduced another $31,750, the remaining amount for Communications. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated staff discussed the City's marketing budget and objectives of the Council and the Strategic Plan. To follow the Council's direction, $45,000 was cut from communications and then staff was asked to reduce the budget another $159,000. He explained that one opportunity was to change how staff thought of that position and instead of hiring a consultant, to handle some of the items internally Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated two big projects for Communications are refining the branding and marketing material for the City, taking a holistic view and creating a holistic marketing package. He stated they would like the ability to use those dollars to create a professional package, which requires printing and binding. In addition, it would include updating all- purpose posters to market the City at various functions. City Administrator Ulrich commented on the need for rebranding some of the materials and having them professionally printed to pull the City and The COR together for marketing. Finance Director Lund noted the remaining cost of this item is actually $26,750. Councilmember LeTourneau supported a rebranding discussion, noting the City put a lot of energy into The COR, which is a community -wide project and asset. To be effective in that effort, he found some resources need to be available and at $26,750, the City will be pressed to do that. Councilmember Kuzma stated that as a printer, he understands the costs and agreed it was not that much when printing folders, .pocket materials, and posters. He stated the Economic Development Manager will need resources to sell The COR and while he likes cutting the budget, thinks something is needed to further those efforts. Mayor Strommen stated the issue of communications came up often during the survey and in discussions so it is important to have some dollars available to update communications. She supported the Council engaging in a discussion on strategic communications, i.e., who needs to be reached and how the dollars will be spent. Councilmember Backous stated he supports leaving $26,750 in the budget. The majority consensus of the Council supported staff's recommended budget cuts in the amount of $159,000 and to accept the proposed 2014 General Fund budget and levy as presented. City Council Work Session / December 10, 2013 Page4of6