Minutes - Council - 09/27/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Consider Adopting Resolution #16-09-168 Adopting Proposed Tax Levies (General, EDA and Debt Service) and Schedule Public Meeting for December 13, 2016 Finance Director Lund reviewed the staff report and recommendation to authorize the preliminary levy in the amount of $10,479,058 with the possibility of reduction prior to City Council adoption of the final levy on December 13, 2016 and to schedule the City of Ramsey's budget/levy meeting on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Strommen thanked Finance Director Lund for the thorough summary of the work that staff and the Council have done in the past few months to prepare for this item. Councilmember Shryock stated that the Council and staff will continue to firm up details and attempt to further reduce the budget and levy. Motion by Councilmember Shryock, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to adopt Resolution #16-09-168 Approving the Proposed 2016, Payable 2017 Tax Levy and Schedule Budget Public Meeting Date. Further discussion: Councilmember Riley stated that he has never been comfortable with the Council passing something that they intend to decrease. He explained that this figure is published and sent to the County and therefore he would like to see the figure decreased before passed. Mayor Strommen stated that it is unknown as to whether the figure will be reduced. She noted that the fiscal disparities information has finally been received and therefore the tax base has expanded. She explained that a preliminary amount has to be certified to the County by the deadline and likes that there is flexibility provided for robust discussions to continue. Councilmember Riley stated that he is still not comfortable as he would like to lower the amount. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Shryock, LeTourneau, Johns, Kuzma, and Williams. Voting No: Councilmember Riley. 7.02: Consider Adoption of Resolution #16-09-169 Adopting Proposed 2017 General Fund Budget and Resolution #16-09-170 Adopting Proposed 2017 EDA Budget Finance Director Lund reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt the 2017 proposed General Fund Budget and 2017 Proposed EDA budget as was presented to the City Council at its final preliminary budget worksession of September 13, 2016, noting again that the budgets are subject to change up until final adoption December 13, 2016. Councilmember Riley noted that his comments also apply to this case. City Council / September 27, 2016 Page 5 of 10