City Council Meeting Date: September 13, 2016
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Melanie Lammers, Finance Director
Title
Discussion of Preliminary Levy and Budget for 2017
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council will discuss the 2017 budget and levy.
Summary Report:
On August 23rd, the first budget workshop was held at the Northfield Police station. At this workshop, the preliminary budgets and levies were presented. Each of the directors was present to go over their budgets. With many discussions and questions, we were not able to get through all departments. Our Public Works departments were not covered at the budget meeting. The Public Works director will be presenting his budgets at the meeting. These tie heavily into the Capital Improvement and Equipment plans.
The proposed preliminary levy has a total increase of 3%. The packet includes draft copies of the proposed preliminary levy, as well as alternatives.
The second levy resolution in the packet has a 1% increase. Staff would need to cut $161,000 from the General Fund budget if this resolution passes. Areas to consider cutting: part time staff, cut overtime, lower some of the street department service areas, and delay technology upgrades. Staff is not recommending this option.
The third levy resolution in the packet has a 1% decrease. Staff would need to cut $246,003 from the General Fund budget. In addition to the cuts above, we would need to take a serious look at staffing levels, and supply budgets for all General Fund budgets including Library, Police, and IT. In addition to the General Fund, we have lowered the levy amounts for three additional funds: Park Fund, City Facilities Fund, and Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund. Lowering the Levies in these funds would cause our CIP and CEP to change, as we would need to eliminate projects and change timelines on vehicle and equipment purchases. Staff is not recommending thi...
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