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74ak;) <br /> Minutes <br /> City Council Work Session <br /> K.IAT(r-EMonday, July 28, 2025, 4:00 PM <br /> `1kESN0°' City Council Chambers 12780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 <br /> ROLL CALL <br /> City Council members present: Mayor Bob Tunheim, City Council Members Jacqueline Ricks, Jon <br /> Schwingler, Steve Persian(5:15). Absent: Alisa Benson. <br /> Staff present: City Administrator Adam Edwards, Police Chief Coney Farniok, Interim Fire Chief <br /> Shea Chwialkowski, Community Development Director Laura Oakden, Public Works <br /> Superintendent DJ Goman, Parks/Facilities Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg, Finance Director <br /> Maggie Jin, Accountant Anne Hentges, City Clerk Christine Lusian. <br /> GENERAL FUND,TAX LEVY,INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS <br /> Staff provided a preliminary update on the general fund, tax levy, and internal service fund <br /> budgets. The process is about one-third complete. At this point, the tax rate is estimated at <br /> 16.797%, representing a small increase from 2025. For the median-value home in Orono ($1.11 <br /> million),this would mean about$14 more per month. <br /> The group expressed interest in keeping the tax rate as stable as possible, while recognizing <br /> rising costs associated with priorities like community engagement,technology, and tree removal. <br /> Key cost drivers include inflation, health insurance changes,new family medical leave law <br /> requirements,maintenance of streets and trees, and uni en employee compensation packages <br /> (currently in negotiation). Departments are planning for initiatives such as enhanced police <br /> staffing and software, an updated comprehensive 10-year plan, increased tree care and park <br /> maintenance, and the administration of two elections. <br /> Staff will continue refining the budget and present an updated proposal at the September 8 work <br /> session for further discussion. <br /> ADJOURNMENT <br /> Work session ended at 5:48 p.m. <br /> ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL <br /> 12-C----- <br /> Christine tan, Ci Cl Bob Tunheim, Mayor <br />