HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-31 Council Minutes
CITY OF CORCORAN
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JULY 31, 2003
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Mayor Guenthner opened the workshop at 6:00 p.m., on July 31, 2003. The
purpose of the workshop was to address the City’s 2004 preliminary budget.
Present were Councilors Bucher, Gageby, Guenthner, Lymangood, and Thomas.
City Staff present included Administrator Vergin, Clerk/Treasurer Tillmann, Police
Chief Schutte and Public Works Director Meister.
MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas and carried unanimously to approve
the agenda as presented.
Administrator Vergin provided an overview of the preliminary levy for 2004. The
2004 Budget was created based on the levy amount allowable by the State for
2004, which allows the City to levy at last year’s limit, plus 60% of the amount
LGA and Market Value Homestead credit lost due to State budget cuts. The City
can reduce the levy amount between now and the time the final budget is adopted,
but cannot increase it. The City must hold a Truth in Taxation hearing for 2004.
The preliminary levy must be adopted by the Council on September 15, 2003, and
the final levy by December 29, 2003. Extensive discussion was held regarding
how the City’s levy amount is calculated. Council requested staff to clarify.
Council was advised that there were no major changes to the department budgets,
except for increases in wages and benefits. 2004 wages are based on the Law
Enforcement Union contract. Staff is working diligently to increase efficiencies
while still maintaining the same level of service to residents. Administrator Vergin
advised that health insurance premiums would be increasing by 17% in 2004.
There is no proposal to increase the amount of the City’s contribution toward
health insurance. Further discussion was held regarding offering dental coverage
to employees and Council agreed that they would not offer dental coverage at this
time. Requested specific information regarding what type of insurance coverage
employees currently have and requested that staff provide a comparison of total
benefit packages offered in similar cities, and contact George Gmach for further
information.
Council requested the following additional information:
• Breakdown of materials and associated costs paid for out of the road
maintenance line item
• Summary of revenues lost due to State budget cuts (i.e. revenue from
septic pumper overweight permits, LGA, levy, increased prisoner
boarding and booking fees). Suggested that this information be provided
to Commissioner Penny Steele.
• Full analysis of the costs and benefits for the proposed Administrative
Assistant position
• In house training for Council and Planning Commission members relating
to zoning and land use issues. Requested Administrator Vergin check
costs for consulting services.
• Volunteer Awards dinner and the possibility of having the recognition at
City Hall, including employees and all volunteers.
• What percentage of reserve funds gives the City a better financial rating?
Check guidelines of the Office of the State Auditor. Suggested the City
adopt a policy for the reserve fund balance.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approve Agenda
Overview of 2004
Preliminary levy
Council Request for
information
CITY OF CORCORAN
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JULY 31, 2003
H:\City Hall Information\CITY GOVERNMENT\Council, Commissions & Committees\Council Information\Council Minutes\Previous Years\2003 - Need to
PDF\07.31.03 Budget Workshop.doc
• Requested an update to the Master Street Plan from Engineer Vander Top.
Discussion was held regarding Request for Proposals for legal services. Mayor
Guenthner will discuss current legal services provided by Carson, Clelland and
Schreder with Attorney Carson, and Council will discuss the RFP process at a
future Council meeting.
Discussion was held regarding the Fire Service Contracts. Council would like to
see funding requests by August 28, and requested that Administrator Vergin alert
the four Fire Departments of this deadline. Councilor Lymangood will contact the
City of Maple Grove Fire Department to inquire about provision of Fire Protection.
The next Budget Workshop was scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 6:00
p.m. and will address the Capital Improvement Plan and staffing requests.
MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to adjourn
the workshop at 8:33 p.m.
____________________________
Kary Tillmann, City Clerk
RFPs for legal services
Fire Service Contracts
Set Next Workshop
Adjournment