2Discussion regarding the 2024 Budget
The Council, staff, and finance consultant discussed the proposed 2024 General Fund budget and related city funds. During this item, one motion passed authorizing work with the City Engineer on a Waco Drive feasibility study.
The Council, staff, and Finance Consultant Lori Yager reviewed proposed 2024 General Fund budget changes from the prior work session and went through remaining funds for 2024 budgeting purposes. Discussion included the administrator review, recycling center, gambling contributions, debt service, park improvements, building improvements, turnout gear, road improvements, and the understanding that reductions would affect fund-balance use rather than the preliminary levy.
The Recycling Center budget was discussed with a goal of net zero. The minutes list possible fee increases, shorter open hours, fewer free items on recycling days, possible Anoka County help with the deficit, and the option of contracted haulers to satisfy MPCA requirements. Donna was assigned to prepare a fee-schedule presentation for the next work session.
Staff said they hoped to have a draft ordinance on the September 12 agenda for Special Revenue Fund gambling contributions. The minutes also note a proposal to transfer some gambling contributions to offset the Sheriff’s Department, and later note that gambling contributions could help fund firefighter turnout gear.
The Council discussed debt service cleanup as road projects are completed, including transferring balances to the general fund or debt service payment. Staff also received an action item to determine what the 3% rebate for the fire tanker should be.
The Park Improvement Fund was reviewed as a fund supported by development at platting or building permit fees and not affecting the levy. Discussion included possible concession building improvements, possible cameras or signage after vandalism concerns, whether to remove the Human Foosball court, and the planned pickleball court, for which $50,000 was set aside but more money would be needed beyond engineering.
The Building Improvement Fund was reviewed. The minutes state that $135,000 was transferred to the fund in 2023, including $75,000 for Historic Town Hall, that $60,000 was spent on existing city office updates, that $66,500 remained in the Historic Town Hall improvement fund, and that $175,000 remained available for a larger well for the Fire Department tanker; no funds were available for a city office addition with a permanent Council Chamber.
The Council discussed the Road Improvement Fund, including added bituminous maintenance, the need for Jasper asphalt, a road plan update, and a possible PACER study. The Council then carried a motion authorizing Administrator Lehner to work with the City Engineer on a feasibility study for necessary Waco Drive repairs or replacements in 2024.
The budget item was discussed; within it, the Waco Drive feasibility-study motion carried 5 ayes.
- 2024 budget
- recycling center
- gambling contributions
- debt service
- park improvements
- building improvements
- road improvements
- Waco Drive