Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/13/2007

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Impounded Animals Dogs Cats 86 86 o TOTAL INCIDENTS 12,323 LOOKING FORWARD The City of Ramsey has a long history of balancing the needs for city services with a manageable tax rate. For 2007, the City was fortunate to be able to establish a budget that allows for the managed growth of city operations and maintains the city's tax rate as constant. The additional tax base created annually by the growth in commercial, industrial as well as residential development allows for the tax rate to remain low while supporting funding for city services. During the year 2006, the City of Ramsey had 79 full-time employees and six part-time, regular employees. The 2007 budget allows the City to increase its employee compl~ment to 82 full-time employees and six part-time, regular employees. In addition to three new full-time positions and one new part-time regular position being included in the 2007 budget, one part-time regular position (.75 FTE) was eliminated from the budget. The transition to the new Ramsey Municipal Center took place in the fall of 2006, opening for business on Monday, October 30th. The new facility is to provide much needed office space for city hall and police department staff. Additionally, new community meeting space is being utilized by residents and community groups. . The Council Chambers tranistioned to the new Municipal Center for the December lih regular meeting. Fire Stations No. 1 & 2 are now undergoing minor renovation after the transition of the municipal center and council chambers to the new facility. City staff is pleased to' serve the community from this new facility. The demand for public services will continue to increase as the City grows and changes. The new positions authorized and increased use of technology will assist the City in striving to meet the increased expectation for City services from its residents and respond to the residential, industrial and commercial growth being experienced in Ramsey. Staff will continue to advise Council as to what new programs or services may be needed and the associated personnel that would be required to meet the City's long-term goals and needs. As with the past few years, 2006 was an active year, despite the down turn in the residential and commercial markets. It is anticipated that an upturn in the market will occur in 2007, with the progress in Ramsey Town Center and the completion of the extension of municipal services to the northwest area ofthe city. Questions and other comments regarding this annual report are always welcome and encouraged. As always, your advice and financial support is greatly appreciated. 2006 Annual Report -17- f '"':",~ ~."..~~\(j..\~~~)~,}ixJ