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Budget cuts target lake weed harvesting |
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Wednesday, 12 December 2007 |
Jennifer Larson
Times Staff Writer
The Forest Lake City Council adopted the 2008 certified levy and operating budget with reductions to the general levy at their regular meeting on Monday.
A resolution was passed during a continuation of the required Truth in Taxation Hearing, which was held on Dec. 3. Councilman Bo Bogotty was absent from the meeting.
City Administrator Chip Robinson said on Monday that the full audience last week was the largest one he’s ever seen at a taxation hearing. Over 40 people turned out for a presentation of the upcoming year’s budget.
“We all know these are somewhat trying times we’re in,” he said.
The total city levy being proposed in 2008 that was adopted by the council is $6,832,735. That compares to the $7,221,554 in the preliminary budget presented on Dec. 3. At that time, a 9.9 percent increase was proposed.
Next year’s levy is a 4 percent increase or nearly $260,000 over the $6.57 million levied against local taxes for 2007. However, the proposed local tax rate in 2008 is 29.434 percent - a decrease from the 30.416 percent paid in 2007.
Robinson said he still believes the budget is the best for the community. Over the weekend, Robinson said he reflected on the concerns citizens expressed at the taxation hearing last week as well as thinking about the impact of the 2008 tax levy.
“I do appreciate your recommendations,” said Councilwoman Susan Young.
Robinson presented his budget reduction recommendations totaling $388,819.
What is cut
Those recommendations were that the city council freeze all new hires next year, postpone the purchase of certain items in the 2008 Capital Improvement Plan and suspend certain programs indefinitely.
He said the revamped numbers “shows the community and residents we are listening to them.”
The proposed new hires next year and their impact on the general fund are one police officer totaling $77,000, one street/park maintenance worker amounting to $61,000 and one half-time communications specialist totaling $46,000.
Robinson also recommended that a building inspector not be replaced immediately upon retirement but at a later date; the financial impact and when that will occur is unknown. However, he said replacing a street worker due to retirement would be allowed in 2008.
Equipment purchases that Robinson recommended be postponed are one 4x4 tractor with plow and mower costing $75,000 and a Ford Crown Victoria police squad car costing to $31,000.
His recommendation also included suspending the Weed Harvester Program for 2008, a savings of over $66,000.
“Maybe what we need to do is step back from the program for a year,” Robinson said.
He noted that would allow them to reevaluate the program to determine if the city is the right entity to provide the service, if mechanical harvesting is the best option as well as considering the impact of not havesting on weed growth.
In addition, Robinson recommended postponing community center proposals, a cost savings of $32,500.
Councilwoman Judy Bull said the budget process is painful when you’re cutting where there is a definite need like the new officer. Chief Clark Quiring reported at the beginning of Monday’s meeting that the police department has surpassed 2006 in the number of calls received this year.
“We’re seeing increases in just about every category,” he said.
Mayor Stev Stegner said he wanted to evaluate the amount of overtime budgeted along with the fire inspector position. Both Greg Ochs and Young said they would favor creation of a lighting tax district in 2008.
The council questioned the need for an infield ball groomer in next year’s budget if the sports complex will not be ready until 2009. They agreed to take that item out of the 2008 budget.
Stegner said purchasing a new snowmobile for the police department would be excessive and suggested it be eliminated for next year’s budget as it is a “toy.”
Bull said that he should not refer to it in such a manner. She said the council may not understand why the item is needed.
Quiring said the department currently has two snowmobiles - a 1997 and 1998. He noted that they are responsible for responding to incidents on the ice such as the large fishing tournament.
“We’re going to have to do better next year,” said Stegner, referring to the budget, “because of where the economy is.”
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