Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/08/2015

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Councilmember Williams stated that she is a bit confused in regard to the overall desire to provide services and the link to specific line items. Mayor Strommen stated that she believes the public safety items are a huge priority as the higher the population, the more the issues will change. She did not want to see that area get into the same situation as the roads. City Administrator Ulrich stated that this year's budget does not put a lot into the roads, in addition to the flat amount, noting that in the next few years, additional costs will roll into the budget for the roads. Mayor Strommen referenced the newsletter item and stated that perhaps cuts could be made in that area and still convey the necessary information. She stated that she does have concerns with not investing in what needs to be invested in and continually pushing items down the road. She stated that if the City backslides on public safety it would be easy for the City to fall behind quickly. Councilmember Riley stated that several items relate to the police department and asked if it would be cheaper or better to go through the Sheriff's Department rather than have an in house department. Police Chief Katers explained that the Council has the full authority over the police and acknowledged that there is a higher cost, but higher service is provided. He stated that if the City were to contract through the County there would be a contract and the City would not have much control over the services or level of service provided. Mayor Strommen stated that costs increase but noted that as the City grows the revenue should also be eventually growing. She acknowledged that the rates may not always increase at the same rate because of strategic decisions. She appreciated how Police Chief Katers has reviewed vacant positions to amend those positions to add the most value to his department. She acknowledged that the decisions the Council makes will impact the budget in future years. City Administrator Ulrich stated that personnel is the most expensive items in the budget and will continue to become more expensive as the years go by. Mayor Strommen stated that it seems there is consensus on making some of these investments that add value, but the work may not be done as the list could be reviewed again to determine if every item is needed at this time. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that if the larger budget is accepted at this time, there would be time to remove certain items from that budget, but if the smaller budget is accepted, the Council would not have the opportunity to add those items later. Mayor Strommen confirmed majority consensus of the Council is to adopt scenario one as the proposed budget with the Council to continue to review the budget for items that could be reduced. City Council Work Session / September 8, 2015 Page 4 of 7