City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, September 05, 2023 at 5:30 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Jeff Phillips, and Mark Cross were present. Council Member Zach Tabatt was absent. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Police Chief Jim Exsted, Assistant Police Chief Matt Maier, Community Development Director Josh Doty, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, Assistant Finance Director Brenda Brooks, IT/GIS Director Todd DeBoer, and Public Works Director Trevor Walter were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. 2024 Governmental Funds Budget Discussion Finance Director Vacinek presented the proposed 2024 Governmental Funds Budget. A few larger parks related projects and four requested staff additions that are currently not included in the proposed budget. Staff is seeking council direction on whether they should be incorporated into the proposed property tax levy for 2024. The city is proposed to receive an estimated $201,400 in local government aid in 2024. The city is also proposed to receive a one-time public safety aid estimated at $389,937. The total proposed property tax levy required to fund the initial draft budget of $8,834,200, a $529,700 increase or 6.4% from 2023. Finance Director Vacinek summarized various highlights from the general fund revenues and expenditures. The council discussed the impact of the levy when funding the requested full time staff positions. The council can set the preliminary levy on September 19th and once set, the final levy can be reduced but not increased. However, the council can schedule a special meeting before or after this date for further discussion. The preliminary levy must be certified to Crow Wing County by the end of September. The council consensus was to discuss the budget during the September 19th work session. ADJOURN 9/5/2023 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 MOTION by Council Member Phillips, seconded by Council Member Lyscio to adjourn at 6:54 p.m. Motion unanimously carried. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator