CCP 12-11-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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No., city of 44INEW H ON the city that works for you Council Worksession November 26, 2012 Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Char Samuelson Councilmember Gina Bauman Absent: None Staff in Attendance: City Manager Dean Lotter Assistant to the City Manager Schawn Johnson Director of Parks &Recreation Sandy Breuer Director of Public Safety Bob Jacobson Director of Public Works Grant Wyffels Director of Community Development Grant Fernelius Director of Finance Dan Maier The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm Budget Discussion-Council Direction on Levy City Manager Lotter reported that at the September 11th meeting Council adopted a preliminary budget with a 1.39% increase. It was reported that for a variety of reasons, the City has been receiving more revenue than expected from TIF districts that have frozen tax rates. Council was given a few options for utilizing the excess funds including; The Community Reinvestment Fund, Fund 460, or tax levy increase mitigation. Manager Lotter cautioned the council that this may not be a reliable source of revenue beyond 2013. Manager Lotter asked for Council direction on staff compensation as well as the surplus. Councilmember Bauman stated that she is in favor of a zero levy, not the .95% as proposed. Bauman also commented that she is opposed to a 2% COLA and a 2% Step increase. Bauman reported that the salaries of the management level employees in New Brighton are consistent with those of larger metropolitan cities. Councilmember Burg clarified that only a portion of employees are still receiving Step increases. Finance Director Maiers stated that he will provide the council with a report of employees that are still working through their Steps. Manager Lotter reviewed the pay scale with the council, explaining that the top Steps are reflective of the mid- point of the market. Mayor Jacobsen asked what the impact would be on the budget if the 2% increased were approved. Manager Lotter confirmed that the budget would not be impacted, and the surplus would be reduced. Councilmember Bauman stated that she would prefer a 0% COLA and no Step increases, but would agree to a 1% COLA. Councilmember Burg stated she would like to continue the Step increases, as well as the 2% COLA. Burg suggested using the surplus for the compensation increases, with any remainder going into the Community Reinvestment Fund. Bauman stated she still believes that the household incomes within the community should play a role in the salary of City employees. 1