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<br /> <br />Paetznick reported the department was following the data and noted public safety staffing would be in place at <br />all times. <br /> <br />Foschi commented on the general fund revenues and expenditures proposed for 2023. The impact on the <br />proposed levy for the median value homeowner was discussed. She reviewed the savings staff was able to <br />realize within the preliminary budget. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen asked what the historical increase was for the levy over the past few years. Foschi stated <br />the average increase over the past five years was 7.8%. <br /> <br />Fink discussed how the Community Center would be educating staff and creating a composting program. She <br />noted this involved getting bins within the facility. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas requested staff take another look at the fleet replacement schedule given the <br />inflationary pressures the City would be feeling in 2023. Massopust explained staff had looked at delaying <br />some purchases, but noted delays lead to increased expenses in the long run. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked the City staff team for all of their work on the preliminary budget. She <br />explained she appreciated seeing where the budget started and where it was now. She indicated she was aware <br />of inflation and how this was included in the budget. She asked if the City had set aside funding for DEI <br />initiatives. Massopust reported $80,000 had been set aside for DEI initiatives for 2023 and additional dollars <br />were written into the budget for future years. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if commissioner stipends were included in the 2023 budget. Massopust <br />stated this was not included in the budget. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas inquired if the fencing consortium was included in the budget. Foschi reported this <br />was included in the risk management budget. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked if the City had additional earned revenue opportunities they could be pursuing <br />with the school district. Fink commented on the joint powers agreement the City had in place with the school <br />district. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commended staff for pursuing grant opportunities for recent projects. She questioned <br />if there were additional opportunities to pursue grants that would assist with reducing the pressuring on the <br />2023 levy. Massopust stated it was difficult to receive funding without having projects lined up. Schlichting <br />commented further on the grants staff has been pursuing for the City. He explained staff was always looking <br />for grant opportunities to assist with funding projects. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen inquired if all of the ARPA dollars had been allocated. Massopust reported these dollars <br />had been allocated between parks, infrastructure and public safety items. <br /> <br />Massopust discussed how the proposed budget maintains core assets and infrastructure without costing the City <br />more in the future. He indicated the budget addresses inflationary pressures which led to 2% of the levy <br />increase. He explained this budget also focuses on people stating a priority for him was to retain the City’s <br />current employees. He commented on the priority to fund the Council’s and City’s initiatives while <br />maintaining the feasible tax levy. He then reviewed the future meeting schedule for the 2023 budget. It was <br />noted the preliminary levy would be set on September 13 and the Truth in Taxation Hearing would be held on <br />December 6. <br />