City Council Minutes 2023 09 12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes September 12, 2023 Page 2 of 5 Mayor Maloney noted that this discussion will continue to the September 26 meeting if needed. Director Bailey noted there is some updated information from last week in the presentation. It includes new sales tax assumptions and updated General Fund forecasts as well as information that Council asked for last week. He reviewed new assumptions using a 5% annual growth for the sales tax assumption and reviewed tax growth for both inside the City and outside noting inside the City is relatively flat while outside the City sales tax has nearly doubled in recent years. Councilmember Dickinson noted the large increase in outside sales is great but the stagnant business in town is a problem as our brick and mortar stores are not increasing and that is troubling. Director Bailey reviewed the impacts of possible mill levy reductions on revenue collection. He recommended reducing the Rec Center mill levy to stay within TABOR compliance. For the general mill levy staff is recommending a temporary decrease to keep the increase to 7.5%. Mayor Maloney would like to see the out years also be limited to a 7.5% increase. Councilmember Dickinson agreed it should be a smooth increase for out years. Mayor Maloney noted the difficult part will be determining how to figure out how to reach that number. City Manager Durbin noted the County is limiting their mill levy to a 5% increase, the fire district board is still undecided. It is unclear what BVSD is planning to do. Director Bailey shared a new General Fund forecast with new sales tax assumptions. He reviewed the Parks and Open Space Funds comparing if the ballot issue passes and if it does not. He also reviewed the Recreation Center Renewal and Replacement policy. City Manager Durbin reviewed the office space needs that impact the budget. He noted money has been included in the 2024 budget to lease additional office space for staff to move to from City Hall but at this point this discussion will be budget dependent. Councilmember Leh suggested office sharing for those staff that work from home part of the time. There are downsides to it but it might be considered. Councilmember Hamlington noted there may be options for having teams on site for certain days if there was appropriate flex space. It would also help reduce commuting and greenhouse gases. Councilmember Dickinson agreed that this can work really well if done right. Director Bailey reviewed the 2024 CIP requests.