HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL  
SPECIAL WORK SESSION FOR 2020 BUDGET
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019, 7:00 PM

                The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jason Freking, with the following council members present, Glenn Kuhnau, Andrew Rasche, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner. Also present was PeopleService employee Joe Liepold, City Auditor Danielle Berg and City Clerk/Treasurer Stacy J. Grube.

Agenda

                Council Member Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the agenda. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Budget Considerations

                Council discussed the general fund budgets. Discussion was held regarding taking the remaining funds from the Storm Sewer budget at year end and adding to COS, no objections were noted.               

Wages

                Council discussed employee pay and reviewed department head suggestions. Discussion resulted in the following recommendations for pay rate increases; 25 cents an hour for custodian at the library, 25 cents an hour for the police chief, 50 cents an hour for part time police officer, 1.00 per hour for the liquor store manager, 25-50 cents an hour for the bartenders, 40 cents an hour for public works supervisor and 25 cents an hour for public works employee, 30 cents an hour for the deputy clerk, and 40 cents an hour for the clerk/treasurer.

2008 Watermain Bond Payment Transfers

                Discussion was held regarding the Water fund paying the $60,000 towards the bond versus it coming from COS Streets. Further clarification on Water Fund was requested before approving.         

2020 Levy

                Council considered the amount of local government aid (LGA) certified for 2020 and savings accounts balances. The preliminary levy had been raised 10% from the 2019 amount of $256,031, but will be considered at a one to three percent increase at the TNT hearing.

The “truth in taxation” public hearing will be held on December 4, 2019, at which time the proposed levy and budget will be discussed. The public will be asked to comment and the final budget will be adopted then or at the regular meeting following the hearing.

Adjourn

                Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to adjourn at 8:40 PM. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Submitted by: Stacy J, Grube, Clerk/Treasurer   

Approved: 1/8/2020

Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, Wagner