HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL  
SPECIAL WORK SESSION FOR 2021 BUDGET
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020, 7:00 PM

 

                The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Andrew Rasche, with the following council members present, Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, Danni Swanson, and Carol Wagner. Also present was Tamara Shelton, John Haberman, and Stacy J. Grube.

 

Agenda

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

 

Budget Considerations

                Council discussed the general fund budgets and reviewed savings accounts, bond schedule and the revolving loan fund.  Work session included additional trimming of budget numbers to further reduce the proposed tax levy.  Public Works Director John Haberman discussed seal coating projects that he would like council to consider.  Discussion was held regarding paying off the Falcon Heights loan by taking a portion from the Falcon Heights savings account and from the water fund, with the intention of repaying monies used from the water fund.      

               

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 the police chief and part time police officer, 50 cents per hour for the liquor store manager, 25 cents an hour for some bartenders, 50 cents an hour for public works supervisor and 25 cents an hour for public works employee, 40 cents an hour for the deputy clerk, and 50 cents an hour for the clerk/treasurer. 

 

2021 Levy

                Council considered the amount of local government aid (LGA) certified for 2021, which is 2.3% lower than 2020, and savings accounts balances.  The preliminary levy had been raised 10% from the 2020 amount of $258,591 but will be considered at a one to two percent increase at the Truth in Taxation hearing.

The “Truth in Taxation” public hearing will be held on December 3, 2020, 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

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to adjourn at 8:23 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer   

 

Approved: 1/6/2021

Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, Wagner