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5.6. SR 07-09-2007 ITEM # 5.6. MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Lori johnson, City Administrator DATE: july 9,2007 SUBJECT: Budget Discussions At Monday's worksession, we are continuing preliminary General Fund budget review and plan to focus on the community development department's budget and move into administrative department budgets if time permits. Below are some of the budget highlights from the community development divisions, including planning, building inspections (which includes code enforcement), energy city, and environmental. Economic development activities are addressed through the Economic Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority budgets that will be reviewed and approved in August by the EDA and HRA respectively. However, we would like to make the Council aware of a plan to fund future development projects for both the EDA and HRA so staff will discuss that portion of these budgets at the worksession. Here are some of the highlights of the proposed 2008 community development department budget including staff additions, program changes, and goals: . Staff additions: -Code enforcement officer for up to 1000 hours per year -Part time energy city coordinator . Hold energy expo in 2008 at a cost of $27,000 . Implement a formal code enforcement system that allows for code enforcement on a systematic basis. Dedicate up to 1000 staff hours per year either through a new employee or reassignment internally to deal with code enforcement issues. . Purchase software and scanning equipment and contract with company to scan the building division's files. Planning files will be scanned after all building division files are scanned. Estimated cost: $55,000 . Continue working with Sherburne County on GIS mapping by contracting with Sherburne County staff to input city data. Estimated cost: $20,000 . Continue the gravel mining area study. Hire a planning consultant to continue this work. Estimated cost: $30,000 Community development staff and I will be present to discuss all of these items in more detail at the meeting. Staff is also looking for comments and input from the Council particularly on any Council initiatives you would like included in the 2008 community development department budget. S:\Council\Lori\2007\Budget discussions 07 09 07.doc