CCP 09-10-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of ONEW BRIG 1ON the city that works for you Council Worksession August 20, 2013 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Char Samuelson Councilmember Gina Bauman Absent: Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter, Grant Wyffels, Grant Fernelius, Dan Maiers, Sandy Breuer, Bob Jacobson, Janice Gundlach, Schawn Johnson, Kevin Mannetter, Craig Schlichting, Tony Paetznick and Jason West Guests in Attendance: Budget Presentation. Manager Lotter reported that there was a desire to prepare a budget with interdepartmental participation. This process specifically aimed to tear down"silos" and foster greater appreciation of all operations within the City. This was done through a two day staff retreat where each department presented their budgets to their peers, who then had opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification as needed. Like the Strategic Plan the Council worked on earlier this year, second tier management was involved and actively participated in the preparation of their various department's budgets. City staff presented their proposed 2014 expenditure budget proposals. Janice Gundlach-Community Development, Schawn Johnson-Administration, Kevin Mannetter-Finance & License Bureau, Sandy Breuer-Parks and Recreation/Forestry, Bob Jacobsen-Police Budget and Tony Paetznick-Fire, Craig Schlichting-Engineering. Councilmember Jacobsen inquired as to the number of employees going through Steps. Manager Lotter estimated less than half of the non-union staff. Councilmember Burg asked for clarification regarding tuition reimbursement. Director Maiers indicated that the council can determine the money allotted for tuition reimbursement. Councilmember Bauman stated she was in disagreement with a few of the proposed items, including Firefighter Relief Aid, as well as COLA increases, indicating that she will talk more with the council at future meetings. Mayor Jacobsen suggested reviewing the 2013 budget line-by-line to look for cost saving options. Councilmember Samuelson clarified that the department requests included justified needs. Staff then went through the 2014 proposed revenues; Schawn Johnson-Administration, Kevin Mannetter- Finance, Grant Fernelius-Community Development, Jason West-Assistant Director of Parks &Recreation, Bob Jacobson-Public Safety, Grant Wyffels-Director of Public Works. Manager Lotter summarized that the recommended budget provides for necessary service level increase as well as maintaining the required 0% levy. Manager Lotter spoke briefly about the importance of being adequately staffed. The Council briefly discussed the anticipated Local Government Aid, and the Sales Tax Exemption and the impact on the 2014 Budget. Manager Lotter confirmed with the Council that they would like staff to attempt to adjust the proposed budget by$300,000—$493,000. The Council thanked the staff for their collaborative effort. The work session adjourned at 7:20 pm.