08-26-08 Council Special Budget
August 26, 2008
A special meeting of the Scandia City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Dennis Seefeldt
called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. The following were present: Council members Pete Crum,
Dolores Peterson, Donnette Yehle, Michael Harnetty and Mayor Dennis Seefeldt. Staff present:
Administrator Anne Hurlburt, Treasurer Colleen Firkus, Assistant Fire Chief Steve Yehle,
Firefighter Mike Hinz and Recreation Coordinator Marty McKelvey. Also present were: Park and
Recreation Committee Chair Karen Schick and Vice Chair Alex Bildeaux.
The agenda was amended to include a brief discussion of the Taco Daze parade.
Administrator Hurlburt reviewed a preliminary calculation of the 2009 levy limit, the history of the
township/city levy and estimated impact of the maximum levy on taxpayers. A video, “14 Reasons
Property Taxes Go Up or Down”, was played and discussed.
Overall assumptions for expenses were discussed, and the status of various capital projects within
the draft budgets was reviewed. The possible replacement of a dump truck/plow, scheduled for
2009, was discussed. Based on information gathered from other communities and the condition of
the truck, staff suggested that replacement of this item could be delayed. Projected balances for the
capital funds were reviewed.
Preliminary budgets for each general fund department were discussed. The draft budgets are not
currently in balance with revenues. No decisions on cuts or additions were made. Possible savings
in spending or revenue increases were identified, which staff will further investigate. The
consensus was that the city would need to certify the levy at the statutory limit to meet the
September 15 deadline. Additional discussion will take place and decisions on the budget will be
made prior to the Truth in Taxation hearing in December.
Staff was directed to begin looking at various revenue/ fee increases for further discussion. Also,
groups using the Annex will be notified that the city will not heat the building this winter, which
may save $2,000 or more in utility costs.
The Council will meet briefly on Wednesday, September 10, to certify the maximum 2009 tax levy.
There may also need to be additional items added to that agenda.
The Council discussed arrangements for the Taco Daze parade on Saturday, September 6. The
vehicle the Council has used in the past is no longer available. It was decided that the Council
would ride in Council member Harnetty’s antique pick-up truck. Council members are asked to be
present in the city booth during that day.
The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Hurlburt
City Administrator/ Clerk