Minutes - Council - 09/25/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Nadine Heinrich, 15791 Neon St NW, stated that when she has been speaking with residents, she has heard residents caution against increasing the budget. She stated that residents care about a safe community and do not want to cut City services but also want to decrease the taxed amount. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that it is reassuring and reaffirming that everyone in the community shares the same concerns. He stated that everyone wants reliable City services while still maintaining an affordable tax rate. He explained that the amount adopted tonight is the highest rate that could be adopted in December but noted that there will be additional discussion and the amount could be lowered before final adoption. Debra Musgrove, 15247 Fluorine St, asked how the rate for employee raises is decided. City Administrator Ulrich replied that the 2.75 percent is simply a budget number at this time. He stated that the City compares employee salaries to other peer communities in an attempt to develop an average and stay competitive. He stated that employee contracts are negotiated and consider all forms of compensation. Councilmember Shryock stated that the Council is also discussing the increases that continue for health insurance coverage, noting that the City is looking at a 12 percent increase. She stated that the City is looking at methods to offset that increase. Acting Mayor LeTourneau appreciated the input from residents tonight. He noted that this continues to be one of the toughest processes that the Council and staff go through each year. He explained that there is an attempt to balance the need to provide quality City services with a balanced budget to provide a community that everyone wants to live in. Scott Cords, 7020 158th Lane, stated that he is new to the concept of government as a whole, especially local government. He stated that he has been reading the budgets line by line from 2010 and has found it interesting. He noted that he is retired, but when he worked he had to justify his existence every year. He stated that as he reviewed the budgets and spending, he did not see significant or meaningful reductions. He stated that a person or thing does not deserve more each year just for existing. He asked if each member of the Council is doing everything they can do make the best use of the money that is taken from residents through taxes. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that his intention is to ensure that the City is receiving the best return on the money that it spends. He stated that he believes that he is doing everything he can to ensure that the tax dollars are being spent responsibly for the community. Richard Wulf, 8309 156th Lane NW, stated that the presentation and numbers were helpful but sometimes people forget that there are people behind those numbers. He stated that there are other elements that are included in the total property tax amount, including increased property values, items from other entities, and reminded the Council that there are people in the community on a fixed income. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that the Council will continue to discuss the topic prior to final adoption in December. City Council/September 25,2018 Page 7 of 13