Minutes - Council - 09/22/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Strommen stated that the Council has discussed this item over several work session discussions and will continue to discuss the item. Councilmember Kuzma noted that part of the increase is for roads and advised that the Council decided not to pursue the option of franchise fees the previous year. He stated that there are contract obligations as well and added staff positions, noting that two of which are positions within the police department. He stated that Ramsey is a great and safe community. He stated that one of the positions would be a Drug Task Force Officer that would focus on Ramsey and would make a proactive effort in Ramsey. He stated that he will be supporting this item. Councilmember Shryock stated that based on the comments and discussion that the Council has had previously, this is a preliminary budget and the Council will continue to discuss the items on the list to really determine if cuts could be made. She asked where residents could provide input on this item if they have concerns. Finance Director Lund stated that residents can contact her and if necessary she can direct them to the appropriate staff person. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he feels that the community is in a substantial growth mode and as a result there are interesting challenges that come forward such as the aging road system and cost associated with that. He stated that the situation is more unique and therefore he cannot rely on the indicators that Councilmember Riley provided regarding inflation and rates of growth. He stated that the Council has strategic planning discussions in order to stay focused and communicate that information to the public. He noted that while this is a difficult decision to make, it is the type of decision the Council has been asked to make for the community. He acknowledged that certifying this information tonight would ensure that the discussions can continue to occur over the next few months and therefore would be supporting the case. Mayor Strommen stated that there are a number of factors she considers including the Council's effort to increase transparency to the public, which has an impact on the General Fund; personnel continues to be a large portion of the budget, and will be the case as the City is a service orientated entity; and Ramsey is a growing community, noting that investments will need to be made into the community on a strategic basis and investments need to be balanced with the long- term sustainability of the community. She stated that her focus is not solely on the 2016 budget but the impact that decisions will have on the future years. She believed that the City is in a good place for the preliminary budget and levy and encouraged the Council and staff to look at the budget and refinements along with the Strategic Plan. She commented that she has been involved in several budget conversations throughout the years and appreciates the process that the City has development, commending both staff and Council for their continued hard work and effort. She noted that the City benefits from the different perspectives that are brought to the discussion. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Shryock, to Adopt Resolution #15-09-218 Approving the Proposed 2015, Payable 2016 Tax Levy and Schedule Budget Public Meeting Date. City Council / September 22, 2015 Page 8 of 12