2015.09.22 CC Packet Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

less than he paid in 2007. He stated he was not interested in reviewing the budget line by line to removing $4,000 expenses. He supported the budget as presented by staff. Councilmember Burg discussed the importance of the work being completed by Northwest Youth and Family Services. Lotter did not want to see the partnerships between the City and CPY or Northwest Youth and Family Services suffer because they were instrumental in working with the community's youth. Mayor Jacobsen agreed that by having New Brighton youth involved in these programs the City was receiving a high return on the investment. Councilmember Bauman questioned where Councilmember Jacobsen stood on the budget. Councilmember Jacobsen supported a 5-6% tax levy increase and was willing to discuss the budget further on September Stn Councilmember Bauman was also interested in discussing the budget further on September Stn Councilmember Burg wanted to review the fleet/non-fleet expenses to see if the Council was making the proper yearly contribution. Public Safety Director Jacobson asked if he should be looking into staffing cuts in his department. He did not understand what the Council's target was at this time. Councilmember Jacobsen did not believe that staffing cuts were being suggested for the Public Safety Department. Park and Recreation Director Brueur stated she would like the same direction because she did not know where to make cuts within her budget. Lotter commented that staffing and fleet/non-fleet expenditures would be the areas that could be reviewed by the Council. He reviewed a memorandum from 2010 that he drafted regarding the fleet/non-fleet schedule and projections for the 2016 budget. He discussed how he has reorganized City staff in order to keep staff expenditures low. He provided further comment on the challenges staff was facing. He believed that the City was holding the line on expenditures when comparing 2016 expenses to past expenditures. He understood that based on the Council's discussion the direction for staff was to produce a budget within the range of 3.86% to 5.86% tax levy. Councilmember Bauman questioned how close the 2015 budget would come in. Davitt requested time to review the budget and explained she could provide comment to the Council on September 8th Mayor Jacobsen asked if staff needed any further direction from the Council. Councilmember Burg wanted to see additional budget scenarios to assist the Council in making a final decision on the tax levy. Councilmember Jacobsen agreed and noted this would be helpful. Councilmember Strub vigorously opposed staffing cuts. He did not believe the City would be able to maintain its current level of services if staffing was reduced. However, he was willing to review scenarios from staff next week.