Minutes - Council - 09/22/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Adopt Resolution #20-202 Adopting Proposed 2021 Payable Tax Levies (General, EDA and Debt Service) and Schedule Public Hearing for December 8, 2020; Adopt Resolution #20-203 Adopting Proposed 2021 General Fund Budget and Resolution #20-204 Adopting Proposed 2021 EDA Budget Finance Director Lund reviewed the staff report and stated that based on the consensus of the City Council at its worksession of September 8, 2020, it is recommended to authorize the preliminary levy in the amount of $13,133,676 with the possibility of reduction prior to City Council adoption of the final levy on December 8, 2020 and to schedule the City of Ramsey’s budget/levy public meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Musgrove stated that Elk River is not included in the comparison of cities and asked why. Finance Director Lund replied that Elk River is in another County and the list only included cities within Anoka County. Councilmember Musgrove stated that the franchise fee was not included, recognizing that it is not included in the property taxes but asked if that could be included to show the taxing Ramsey is doing to its citizens. Finance Director Lund replied that comparison was between 2019 and 2020. She stated that when she brings forward the final figures in December, she will include the franchise fees. Councilmember Musgrove asked for details on the green line that remains constant for public safety. Finance Director Lund stated that the green line should be ignored, and the focus instead should be on the percentage of change. Councilmember Musgrove thanked the EDA, noting that is a huge savings while still continuing to support the community. Councilmember Specht thanked City staff for their hard work on the budget. He stated that staff has done a good job of lowering amounts in order to meet the direction of the Council. He stated that he agrees that this is a good preliminary budget and would like to continue to discuss this topic in the coming months. Councilmember Riley commented that he appreciates the ability of staff being able to meet the request of the Council not just once, but twice. He stated that there are a few large items that standout including payroll increases and the public works debt. He stated that he focuses on the levy, as those are the taxes collected. He noted that the budget is different because it includes revenues coming in and purchases going out, noting the purchase of a new fire truck. He stated that he supports this budget. City Council / September 22, 2020 Page 6 of 14