Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/27/2003 - Budget

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Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that when we talk about postponing issues until we demonstratc a need - it takes time to get people on board. She added that waiting troubles her and postponing is not good. Mr. Norman suggested that the discussion is not about waiting - it is about transferring money. Councihnember Elvig stated he would like to look at raising revenue or look at policy changes on how we dedicate fees - look at revenues and future expenses. Discussion ensued relating to "tapping into other funds". Councilmember Elvig stated we have built up substantial funds for each year - people's money sits in thesc funds. Is there a way we can take the people's money and take care of these things we need. Can we do that even for a couple of years? Mr. Norman responded that some funds are dedicated. Ms. Lund reported that we have borrowed from other funds but we pay it back. Councilmember Kurak stated she is not sure what funds are people's money that Councilmember Elvig is talking about. Ms. I_,tmd explained some of the policies for the different funds and some of the language you would have to change. Councihnember Kurak feels taking out of one fund to put in another will not work. Councilmember Cook stated that we keep moving things out a couple of years because we cannot afford it. Councilmember Elvig suggested if that's a bad idea, we need to look at revenue sources - park Ices, developer fees, etc. Councilmomber Cook felt our park maintenance fees are taken care of with taxes. Mr. Kapler stated we have talked about user fees. We spend a lot on athletic preparation etc. We put a lot of money into our youth park fees. Maybe we need to charge a user fee - other cities do it. Ms. Lund stated that we have user fees listed in our rates and charges, but it does not always get charged. Mr. Kapler added that he is talking about things like soccer, etc. City Council Budget Work Session/October 27, 2003 Page 3 of 9