Agenda - Council - 09/23/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Backous, to Adopt Resolution #14-09-186 Adopting the Proposed 2015 City of Ramsey General Fund Operating Budget. Further discussion: Councilmember Backous agreed with the comments by Councilmember Tossey that there may be room for additional cuts but he is cautious about going too low as had been done last year. Mayor Strommen stated support for the level of the budget, noting better numbers will be coming from Anoka County, after which cuts can be considered. She stated the proposed 2015 budget meets the goals of the Council to lower the tax capacity rate, cover the funding gap for roads, and to deal with the HRA. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Backous, Johns, Kuzma, Riley, and Tossey. Voting No: None. 7.04: Adopt Resolutions Approving Proposed 2015 Payable Tax Levies and Schedule Public Hearing Meeting for December 9, 2014 Finance Director recommended adopting resolutions approving the proposed 2015 payable tax levies, the EDA tax levy, and to schedule a public hearing for December 9, 2014. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to Adopt Resolution #14-09-187, Approving the Proposed 2014, Payable 2015 Tax Levy, and Schedule Budget Public Meeting Date. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Johns, Backous, Kuzma, Riley, and Tossey. Voting No: None. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to Adopt Resolution #14-09-188, Approving the Proposed 2014, Payable 2015 EDA Tax Levy based on the recommendation of the EDA and Schedule a Budget/Levy Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Further discussion: Councilmember Backous stated he will support the motion because the Council has made steady progress to reduce the levy. Councilmember Tossey stated he will not support the motion as he finds the EDA takes tax money from citizens and uses it for business. Rather, he supports providing road, police, and fire services to retain and attract businesses. Councilmember Riley stated the Economic Development Manager position was removed from this budget. City Administrator Ulrich and Finance Director Lund explained how staff positions were reorganized and those EDA duties reassigned, resulting in a net impact reduction of $25,000. In response to Council's comments, Finance Director Lund clarified that the Business Revolving Loan Fund is separate from the EDA Fund and provides subsidies, if subsidies are provided. Councilmember Tossey stated he preferred to have the Chamber of Commerce support businesses, not the EDA that is funded through tax dollars. Councilmember Backous suggested the EDA be asked to quantify its efforts, to the extent possible, and provide information on businesses that have been attracted based on the EDA's efforts and resulting increase in property tax received. City Council / September 9, 2014 Page 6 of 9