12-12-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO TRUTH -IN -TAXATION MEETING and the ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, December 12, 2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. 1. 2017 BUDGET HEARING —RESOLUTION NOS. 6704, 6705, 6706, 6707 (continued) McMillan stated increasing the Pavement Management Fund will get roads done over time but that there is no guarantee that going that way will be any more cost efficient than bonding. McMillan noted she has worked hard over the years at keeping the levy down. McMillan stated the Council would love to do as many projects as possible but that they have to look at minimizing the increases since levies tend to go up but not down. McMillan stated the Council also has to consider the fact that residents will be paying for a school referendum. McMillan stated fiscal discipline is important and that it starts with the City Council. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 2, McMillan, Levang and Cornick opposed. MOTION FAILS. Council Member Printup asked what projects would be lost with a 5 percent levy increase instead of an 8.1 percent increase. City Administrator Loftus asked whether Fox Street would be done. Public Works Director/City Engineer Edwards indicated they would likely not be able to complete Fox Street. Edwards stated with the current levy rate and the current fund balance, they would just barely be able to pay for the Fox Street reconstruction or they could do a series of smaller street projects. Edwards stated if the levy amount drops below the $401,000, Fox Street is probably off the table. Printup stated the priority to focus on roads becomes less of a priority if the levy amount is reduced. McMillan noted one percent equates approximately $50,000. Walsh stated what the audience is seeing is the reason for the election results and that three people on the Council are looking to handicap the citizens on the roads, which is why the citizens elected to make a total change. Walsh stated by reducing the levy, the City will not be able to get the roads done, which is the current three Council members outgoing shot. Levang stated that is his opinion and that the citizens do not necessarily hold that opinion either. Levang stated when they discussed this in September, he would not listen to them. Levang stated she stands by what she has said previously and that there are other ways and other opportunities to improve the roads. Levang commented she does not agree with Council Member Walsh. Walsh commented this is what the citizens get and that this is the last shot by the three outgoing council members. Levang asked Council Member Walsh to stop disparaging them. Walsh stated they are taking the funding out from underneath the new Council that was being put in place to get the roads done. Levang stated roads will still get done but in a different way. Page 5 of 33