Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember LeTourneau stated that there is always a challenge between what is too much <br />and what is not enough. He stated that in scenario one there is an impact of $67 per resident <br />based on the average home value of $201,000 and believed that to be a great value for what the <br />City is able to provide in return. <br />Mayor Strommen agreed and believed that it was helpful to see the services that are provided <br />through the proposed budget. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the proposed budget includes the Strategic Plan items <br />that the Council wanted to focus on as well as the services that staff feels would be beneficial. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that he understands that the budget is increasing and noted that <br />while he would like to keep that down, the items proposed to be added are beneficial and do add <br />value to the City. He stated that he would be in support of scenario one with possibly some <br />minor cuts. <br />Councilmember Shryock agreed with the comments made by Councilmembers LeTourneau and <br />Kuzma as she believed that the items proposed to be added will add value in the areas of safety <br />and community wellbeing. She believed that these services are a good value and noted that she <br />would be willing to pay the extra to have these services and therefore would support scenario <br />one. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that there was discussion the previous year regarding the <br />possibility of a franchise fee, which would have had an increase of over $100 to $160. <br />Councilmember Johns echoed the comments regarding the franchise fee discussion and stated <br />that there is a cost to provide these services and yet the cost is still less than it would have been <br />under the franchise fees. She noted that the drug task force position has already been delayed for <br />several years and believed that there is a lot of value added. <br />Councilmember Williams stated that she does not agree and could not support the budget as <br />proposed in scenario one as she would like to see a lean budget and levy. She stated that she <br />would support scenario two because it is the smallest increase. <br />Councilmember Riley commended staff for developing all three scenarios. He noted that the <br />roads and debt services are somewhat out of the control, as those items are needed. He stated <br />that because of that he likes the idea of scenario three, although that is not his preferred option. <br />He stated that there have been large increases the past two years and he would like to keep the <br />tax levy low. He stated that he would like to see the tax levy equal to the rate of growth and <br />revenue that the City has. He noted that inflation has been very low for the past several years <br />and is anticipated to remain low, noting that the levy increases are continuing to outpace the rate <br />of growth. <br />City Council Work Session / September 8, 2015 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />