2015.01.12 CC Packet Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 8, 2015 Page 6 of l l Council Business 1. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Final 2016 Tax Levy. City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt reviewed the 2016 tax levy in detail with the City Council. She reported the 2016 General Fund Budget receives 50.5% of its total revenues from property taxes. The City Council approved a preliminary 2016 tax levy of $7,192,000 on September 22nd. This represents an additional investment of $267,000 from the levy payable in 2015. The preliminary 2016 tax levy was certified to Ramsey County and used in their calculations for their parcel specific notices mailed to each property owner. She reviewed how a median value home would be impacted by the proposed levy and recommended. City Manager Lotter discussed how the financial decision making of the Council impacted New Brighton residents. He explained how New Brighton was running cost efficient based on these decision. He provided further comment on the levy and recommended adoption of a Resolution approving the final 2016 property tax levy. Councilmember Bauman discussed the inflation rate within the budget. She then provided comment on the average salary for New Brighton residents and believed these were stagnant and not growing. She was not in favor of COLA's and step raises for City employees. She did not support the proposed tax levy and budget. She was disappointed that additional cuts were not made. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked staff for the thorough presentation. He discussed how the City's finances have been maintained over the past eight years and commended staff for their efforts. He supported the proposed budget and tax levy and believed it was a responsible use of taxpayer's money. He provided comment on the high quality City services that resident's receive for their taxes. City Manager Lotter appreciated these kind words and noted he would pass them along to City staff Councilmember Burg agreed with Councilmember Jacobsen's comments. She reported that her goal was for the City to achieve long term financial stability. She discussed how the City was working to save up money for future capital expenditures. She was proud of the City's financial position and noted the number of new businesses that had moved into the community. She indicated she fully supported the 2016 tax levy and budget Councilmember Strub explained the Council has spent a great deal of time discussing the budget while also strategically planning for the City. He supported the proposed budget and believed it closely aligned with the goals and objectives of the Council. He provided comment on the City's solid bond rating and financial standing. He commented on the professional high quality services received by New Brighton residents and stated he would be supporting the proposed tax levy and final budget as it was a realistic reflection of the communities' priorities. Mayor Jacobsen thanked the Council for the time that was put into the budget. He discussed how the Council was working to plan for the future to eliminate budget spikes while also addressing the importance of infrastructure investments. Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Strub to waive the reading and adopt a Resolution Approving the Final 2016 Property Tax Levy. 4 Ayes, l Nay (Bauman opposed) -Motion Carried 2. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Final 2016 Budgets. City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt reviewed the final 2016 budget in detail with the Council. She indicated the City's General Operating Fund Budget for 2016 is $14,292,900, which represents an additional investment of $769,200, from the adopted 2015 budget. She reviewed the City's revenue and expenditure funds at length. It was noted the City's special revenue fund includes the golf Council Business 1. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Final 2016 Tax Levy. 2. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Final 2016 Budgets.