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Policv Considerations <br />7. Policy Considerations <br />2s <br />In addition to the growth data and financial projections central to this study, <br />the perceptions and opinions of the City Council, senior executives and other <br />key staff were in multiple sessions and in various formats. In addition, we <br />consulted with local government experts who have experienced similar fast - <br />growth expansion periods in Minnesota. <br />This information forms the basis of a series of policy issues we raise for your <br />consideration. While these policy issues are difficult to quantify, they will have <br />a significant impact on the outcome of the City's implementation efforts. The <br />topics described below were the focus of discussion in most of the group <br />sessions. We believe they merit serious consideration as a complement to the <br />forecasts and staffing recommendations. <br />Community Visioning Visioning is mentioned below in relation to citizen input; however, we believe <br />that establishing a vision is a specific, independent action that should be part of <br />_ the next phase of the community's response to managing growth. Communities <br />we surveyed felt that a shared vision becomes a powerful tool for Council and <br />staff to justify decisions and garner support over the long term. A community <br />direction achieved through a rigorous input process is easier to sustain and more <br />difficult for naysayers to oppose. <br />There are many examples in the metropolitan area of how this might be done. <br />Typically, they are most effective when survey information is coupled with the <br />visioning process, and data on resident attitudes and issues of concern is <br />available. We recommend that a visioning process should be moved to the top <br />of the City's agenda. The City will be well served by the Council formally <br />adopting a long term vision. <br />Financing for the Future Financial forecasting and tax level implications have been dealt with in earlier <br />sections of this report. A few continents from a long-term policy perspective <br />however are important. All of the participants in our focus group strongly <br />emphasized that quality costs money, and to maintain quality you must plan for <br />adequate levels of expenditures. Once quality development occurs, quality <br />maintenance needs to follow. High quality government services suggest a labor <br />intensive, customer oriented philosophy that will require long -terns resources. <br />Impressions of overall quality take time to develop or change. From all <br />accounts, Ramsey currently enjoys a high level of citizen satisfaction with its <br />services. To maintain that environment, the City will need to invest in quality <br />efforts, from ongoing training of staff to superior maintenance of facilities. All <br />of our focus group participants mentioned the benefits of setting aside the <br />"bulge" in revenues from growth to fund future quality initiatives. To build the <br />community reputation the Council has indicated it wants, dedicated, adequate <br />resources will be required. <br />City of Ramsey — Organization Study and Review <br />