2015.01.12 CC Packet Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 1, 2015 Page 4 of 6 personal opinion. He then offered his retirement story to the residents in attendance. Councilmember Strub thanked the residents for coming forward with their comments and concerns. He explained the public hearing portion of the meeting was for a time of comment and not a time for debate. He encouraged residents to contact City Councilmembers with their additional concerns regarding the budget. Councilmember Burg was afraid the meeting had gotten out of hand. She suggested Mr. Tandesky contact the County directly to address his property valuation. She discussed the actions the City had taken to reduce administrative/staffing expenses. She fully supported the investments being made in the City, both its staff and its infrastructure. She then commented on the importance of a strong public safety department. She indicated she took the City's finances seriously. She stated she was invested in this community and would remain in New Brighton long-term. She compared the City's taxes to other local communities and reiterated that New Brighton was on the low end. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked the residents that were in attendance. He appreciated the dialogue being held this evening. He then discussed how the County set tax rates. He was surprised by how the City has held its expenditures to close to the same amount as 2007. He believed the residents of New Brighton received great public services at a reasonable rate. He did not want the City to get to a point where it had to lay off employees and cut public services. He discussed how expenses have risen over the past eight years for all items within the City's budget. He encouraged the public to support the City Council in maintaining its services and infrastructure. He welcomed comments from the public regarding the budget. Councilmember Bauman stated the Council has had numerous discussions on the budget. She discussed the average salary for New Brighton staff members compared to the average salary of a New Brighton resident. She noted City staff members would receive COLA and Step increases in 2016. She encouraged residents to pay attention to the City's budget and to contact the City Council with their comments or concerns. Councilmember Strub explained the Council has had six or seven worksession meetings to discuss the budget. He commented on the real dollars that he spends on property taxes each year. He reported his taxes went down in 2015 and would again in 2016. He recommended homeowners review their property tax statement and comment City Councilmembers with any questions they may have. Mayor Jacobsen was proud of the Council and City staff. He stated it was not an easy job serving the public. He was proud of the quality services that were offered to New Brighton residents. He understood that residents wanted to age in place. He explained the Council was not trying to tax its residents out of the community. Rather, the City Council was working with the residents best interests in mind. He encouraged residents to contact the Council with their input and ideas. City Manager Lotter provided further comment on efficiencies within the City. He explained the collaborative methods and reorganizational measures that have been taken by staff to keep expenditures down. He noted the City of St. Anthony has contracted with New Brighton for building inspection services. He discussed how employees were assuming health care increases. He commented on the cooperative, mutual aid and joint powers efforts being forged for the public safety department in order to assist with containing costs. He reported that all of these efforts assist the City in providing efficient and professional services at a reasonable cost. He believed that New Brighton staff cared and discussed the high ratings City staff received from residents in a recent survey. Mayor Jacobsen thanked City Manager Lotter for his comments. Mr. Tandesky discussed the numerous services provided by local volunteers and encouraged the public to get involved in VIBS. He reported VIBS was in need of additional volunteers and challenged the public to get involved.