HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORK SESSION FOR 2018 BUDGET
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017, 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jason Freking, with the following council members present, Carol Wagner, Roger FitzHenry, Andrew Rasche and Glenn Kuhnau. Also present was city employee Brenda Martin-Granstra.
Agenda
Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Rasche, to approve the agenda. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Wagner, FitzHenry and Rasche, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Budget Considerations
Council discussed the following topics: police department, the burn site, street lights, library, community center, and the cost of living adjustment. The council also discussed public works department and what salary would be appropriate to consider during the upcoming interviews.
Wages
Council discussed employee pay and reviewed department head suggestions. Discussion resulted in the following raises to be approved at the regular meeting on December 6th: 25 cents an hour for custodian at the library and community center, 38 cents an hour for the police chief, 25 cents an hour for police officer badge number 703, 50 cents an hour for police officer badge number 702, 50 cents an hour for the liquor store manager, 50 cents an hour for the senior bartender, 25 cents an hour for the two junior bartenders, 25 cents an hour for the custodians at the liquor store, and 35 cents an hour each for the clerk/treasurer and deputy clerk.
2018 Levy
Council considered the nearly stagnant amount of local government aid expected in the coming year, savings balances for street repairs and equipment purchases, and the loss of the approximately $25,000 yearly payment from Lakeview Assisted Living due to their loan being paid off. The preliminary levy had been raised 10% from the 2017 amount of $243,700, but it was decided to adjust back down to only a one or two percent increase at the TNT hearing.
The “truth in taxation” public hearing will be held on December 6, 2017, 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 Rasche, to adjourn at 10:00 PM. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Wagner, FitzHenry and Rasche, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Approved:___________________ Submitted by:
FitzHenry
Freking
Kuhnau ________________________
Rasche Clerk/Treasurer
Wagner