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September 11, 2012 City Manager Lotter commented the City is required to adopt a proposed property tax levy for taxes payable in 2013 and certify it to the County on or before September 15, 2012. This tax levy would then be used by Ramsey County to prepare parcel specific tax notices, which are mailed to every property owner within the City in November. The City was also required to set a Budget Discussion with Public Comment meeting. Staffrecommends this meeting be held on December 6, 2012 at 6:30 pm. Director of Finance Maim discussed the proposed Resolutions establishing the proposed levy and meeting dates with the Council. He reviewed the proposed budget numbers in further detail noting the 2013 tax levy had an increase of 1.39%. Staffrecommended approval of the levy and meeting dates. Motion by Mayor Jacobsen seconded by Councilmember Bauman to approve a 0% increase to the 2013 tax levy. 2 Ayes, 3 Nays (Councihnembers Burg, Samuelson and Jacobsen opposed) -Motion Faded Councilmember Samuelson appreciated staff for reducing expenses within the 2013 budget She did not anticipate that a 0% increase was possible to maintain the same level of services for the City's residents. She recommended that the Council adopt the proposed tax levy as presented by staffthis everting. Motion by Councilmember Samuelson seconded by Councilmember Burg to approve a Resolution adopting the proposed tax levy for taxes payable in 2013 and to set the dates for the 2013 budget discussion with public comment and the determination of the final 2013 tax levies. Councilmember Bauman stated the 2013 tax levy included a 2% COLA increase for staff. She questioned if this increase was necessary, as a 2% increase was granted in 2012. She suggested this item be held as the directors for the City of New Brighton were well paid and the residents should not be asked to cover the increase given the current state of the economy. She requested an explanation as to why COLA increases were recommended City Manager Lotter commented there was no measure of success for establishing pay rates. However, part of this equation required a competent staff that was paid near the mid -point of the market. He explained that the City of New Brighton established a salary freeze for the past few years by freezing both COLA and step increases. City Manager then reviewed the proposed tax levies for a number of surrounding communities. He stated the affordability of government should be considered through the tax levy, noting the City spent less on staff dm many other communities. This was an efficiency that has been reached by New Brighton staff. In addition, the City spent the least amount per capita in comparison to other suburbs in the metro area. He indicated it may be appropriate for the Council to discuss this matter in further detail on how the Council wished to measure success going forward, with regard to staffpay and overall expenses. Councilmember Bauman thanked staff for the information on this matter. She commented City staff was fortunate to have the opportunities to attend public seminars and classes, to enhance their education. However, this was being done at the expense of the taxpayers. She believed residents could not afford additional taxation. Councilmember Bauman stated she was not trying to personally attack staf, but was simply stating those in the private sector were not making the same amount, or has even taken a cut in the past few years. She then discussed the compounding affect of a 2% COLA increase and how it would increase the levy going forward. She understood New Brighton offered great services to the public but was in favor of keeping the levy at 0%. Councilmembcr Samuelson indicated the Council would continue to work on the budget between now and December. She commented firrthex cuts could be made by the Council in this time. She appreciated the work staff &-d done on the proposed tax levy and budget. Councilmember Jacobsen anticipated that the 1.39% tax levy would be reduced in the next few months. He commented he would support the proposed levy at this time knowing it would be reduced. Councilmcnber Burg agreed stating discussion would continue by the Council to work to reduce the levy. She commented the City has been maintaining its levy over the past four years. She clarified that the budget Page 4 of 6 Meeting Date for1he2013 Budget Disoim► with Public Corrmtent and the Debamination oftheFM 2013 TaxLmiesMeeting. Report No. 12-222. Resolution No 12-069