City Council Study Session Summary 2009 02 24

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City Council Study Session Summary DATE Page 6 of 7 expenditures, and develop expenditures to fit the goals the City wants to achieve. A Long-term financial model is included in the presentation. Numbers also show what projections are base on. Sales Tax Revenue changes the projections; assume this will be above the current percent in the future. Revenue is going up slightly, with Takota, and Conocophillips, and Train station activity. The annual change will be an average of 3 percent. The expenditures, whatever category, have assumptions for each projection. There is a long term forecast for general fund, assuming a list of programs is not included in the budget. Included in the presentation were slides on Trust - Land acquisition - with a forecast if not re- authorized. Other resources include grant funding for major projects. The plan summary indicates main operating fund is in a strong position, although great deals of things are not in the budget. All projections are based on assumptions that current level of service is funded. The presentation provides the current service level, as well as what we are not doing. The presentations shows; these are the things that are not in the budget, and what would be the cost. Residents can be asked "What would you like to see that are not on the list?" Graphs show what the budget looks like with some of these things included. What are the alternative budgets, and what is the right balance? We pose to community citizens; do we tax more, do you want higher level of services, are you willing to pay for the services? The presentation includes a list of what we can do to generate funds. A Building Use Tax option imposed on residential construction could generate about 350,000 per year, although development is highly variable. Considering the consumer use tax, most revenue comes from businesses. The intention in presenting this information is to solicit feedback from citizens of Louisville. The Staff expects to bring the information back to Council in Mayor early June. There have been several scheduled meetings for the public for the presentation. Council members feel the overall presentation is great, as it brings more of awareness to residents. A distinction between general fund and capital fund needs to be provided, as many residents don't understand the difference. The presentation does help residents understand what the city can and cannot do. Council members asked staff how they would publicize for interest. What can we do to get people there? How will we advertise? What do we title the presentation? Staff indicated that these were important issues - this is not just a staff issue, and needs the support of council. This is just the beginning, and depends on how the board members see their role. We need to get Council members involved in the initial stage. Board members need to show up to the public meetings. Some of the information occurs after the ballot. We can always conduct polling before the tax issue as a way to seek feedback. Council members indicated that it is critical how the polling is done. Experienced pollers would know how to do the program. Council members indicated they would be interested in attending board and commission meetings in April or May. In order to sell the ideas to on this issue to the public, council and staff need to also believe in the issue. The City doesn't budget enough for repairing and replacing pavement on streets, and the work has been behind for years.