Minutes - Council - 09/09/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Trappers Ridge 2 "d Addition. It was noted this action would reconfigure property lines but create no new lots. The Council thanked the Planning Commission for vetting this application. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Backous, to Adopt Resolution #14 -09 -191 Granting Final Plat Approval to Trappers Ridge 2 "d Addition. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, Backous, Johns, Kuzma, LeTourneau, and Tossey. Voting No: None. 7.03: Adopt Proposed 2015 General Fund Budget Finance Director Lund reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt the 2015 proposed General Fund Budget as presented to the City Council on September 2, 2014, resolutions approving the proposed 2015 payable tax levies, and to schedule a public hearing for December 9, 2014. It was noted the total proposed levy for 2015 totals $9,410,498 in comparison to 2014 that totaled $8,564,341. This reflects an increase of 9.99% from 2014. The estimated net tax capacity rate will decrease to an estimated 42.67 %. Finance Director Lund stated the four main levy increase factors relate to inclusion of road reconstruction funding; increased personnel costs; building permit revenue decrease; and, issuance of Capital Equipment Certificates. She presented information related to the proposed 2015 property tax levy, General Fund budget expenditure comparison, revenue source of General Funds, 2015 expenditures by type and function, 2015 notable budget items, and the EDA/HRA budget and levy. It was noted the final budget/levy is subject to change up until the December 9, 2014, meeting. Councilmember Backous referenced the presentation slide depicting the General Fund budget expenditure comparison, noting years prior to 2015 do not include the EDA or HRA expenditures. Finance Director Lund stated that is correct and noted the road debt and Capital Equipment Certificates are also included in the 2015 total. Councilmember Backous commented on the dissolution of the HRA and resulting increase in the General Fund budget to cover those personnel costs. He stated he thought the HRA levy to be a `hidden tax' levy and supported its dissolution. Councilmember Riley stated the main difference in the 2015 budget is increased spending on roads. Councilmember Tossey agreed the HRA levy was `hidden' because it was not included in the General Levy. He stated he hopes that room for improvement (budget cuts) remains. Councilmember Tossey explained that he had objected to instituting franchise fees, finding them to be regressive, and supported including road costs within the General Fund. City Council / September 9, 2014 Page 5 of 9