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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil_Connection_110110Council considers 2011 budget The Council continued its review of the proposed 2011 City budget at a work ses- sion prior to its regular meet- ing. In June, the Council directed staff to prepare a budget based on a levy of Edina’s maximum state-allowed basic levy, plus a special levy for unallotted Market Value Homestead Credit. The budget was not to in- clude any new programs, and it was assumed that additional cuts beyond those made in 2009 and 2010 would not be necessary. In September, the Council approved a preliminary levy representing an increase of 2.3 percent over the 2010 levy. Since then, the debt for the City Hall construction was refinanced, so the Fi- nance Department has pro- posed a budget that would result in a levy increase of 1.15 percent. The City has the flexibility, though, of levy- ing up to 2.3 percent if sala- ry costs are increased as the result of labor contracts yet to be settled or if the Council would like to add any new or increased programs. The Council was asked to consider allocating an addi- tional $40,000 for the Ener- gy & Environment Commis- sion, $10,000 more for the Public Art Committee, $10,000 to participate in a regional economic develop- ment agency and $2,500 more for the Edina Historical Society. Mayor Hovland asked the Council to consid- er increasing the City Coun- cil’s budget to attend confer- ences and other continuing education events. Consen- sus was not to increase the City Council’s budget. Mem- bers suggested the vacant Assistant City Manager posi- tion be left open the first quarter of 2011, resulting in a savings that could fund the requests from the Public Art Committee, Historical Society and regional eco- nomic development agency. Staff was asked what the result of a 0 percent levy increase would mean for the City. The Finance Depart- ment reported that about $300,000 would need to be cut from the General Fund, likely resulting in staff reduc- tions. With less staff, the Public Works Director said residents could expect a delay in snowplowing. The Fire Chief said one ambu- lance would be cut from EMS service. Council mem- bers indicated their desire to proceed with the budget as planned, without additional cuts. A public hearing on the 2011 budget will be held Dec. 7. The Council is sched- uled to adopt a budget at its Dec. 21 meeting. A summary of the Nov. 1 Edina City Council & HRA meeting Nov. 5, 2010 Volume 12, Issue 21 Council Connection Upcoming meetings: • City Council, 5 p.m. Nov. 8 • Heritage Preservation Board, 7 p.m. Nov. 9 • Park Board, 7 p.m. Nov. 9 • HRA & City Council, 7 p.m. Nov. 16 • Art Center Board, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 City Contacts Interim City Manager Ceil Smith 952-826-0402 City Clerk Debra Mangen 952-826-0408 Planning Director Cary Teague 952-826-0460 Finance Director John Wallin 952-826-0410 Art Center Director Diana Hedges 952-903-5783 We’d like to hear from you … If you have any comments, call Communi-cations & Marketing Director Jennifer Bennerotte at 952-833-9520. The text of this publication will be available online at www.CityofEdina.com. www.CityofEdina.com Council reviews five-year Capital Improvement Program The Council reviewed the proposed Capital Improve- ment Program (CIP) for 2011-2015. The CIP is a one-year budget and a five- year plan for capital pro- jects. Major projects planned for 2011 include the addition of a new wave simulator at the Edina Aquatic Center; renovations of Edina Liquor – Southdale; a new water treatment plant; and several parking lot, sidewalk and neighborhood street recon- structions. The total capital budget for 2011 is more than $27 million. The Council is expected to adopt a CIP at its Nov. 16 meeting. Council accepts donations for art event The Council accepted doz- ens of donations for the Taste of Creativity fundrais- er. As part of “Arts and Healthcare Awareness month” in Edina, the fund- raiser was held Nov. 4 at the Art Center to benefit the Art Center, Public Art Com- mittee and Fairview Auxilia- ry. The event included mu- sic, artists’ demonstrations, food and other entertain- ment.