06-27-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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(2) PROFILE OF THE CITY (CONTINUED) The City is a residential community with primarily single-family housing, and includes a small commercial district. The City totally surrounds two communities, which are part of the original township, and substantially surrounds a third community. The City cooperates with these cities for the most cost effective provision of city services. The City is home to many of the metropolitan area’s top executives who appreciate the community’s natural amenities. It is anticipated that the positive appeal of the community, together with the extent of available land, will see the community experiencing continued development for the next ten years. The City operates under the “Optional Plan A” form of government as defined in Minnesota Statutes. Under this plan, the City Council, composed of an elected mayor and four elected trustees or council members, exercises legislative authority and determines all matters of policy. The City Administrator, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for the proper administering of all affairs relating to the City. The City provides a variety of municipal services which include: police protection, fire protection, street maintenance, building inspection, planning and zoning, public improvements, general administrative services, public water and sewer utilities, and a municipal golf course. The City adopts an annual budget for the General Fund and certain Special Revenue Funds. The City has established budgetary control at the department level. LOCAL ECONOMY The City is in a strong financial position. Because of its strong residential tax base, and conservative fiscal philosophy, the City continued in 2015 to have a tax capacity rate that is one of the lowest in the county, ranking second lowest of 45 communities. The strength of the City’s financial condition is reflected in its bond rating of Aaa since 2006 for all bond issues. LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING The Metropolitan Council requires all cities in the seven-county metropolitan area to have a Comprehensive Plan. The Metropolitan Council and state statutes require cities to update their plans every 10 years. The Orono Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for orderly and economic private and public improvement. The scope of the plan is intended to include almost every factor that influences investments or improvements in the City. The City of Orono’s Comprehensive Plan has been updated and approved by the City Council in 2010. In 2011, the City analyzed the condition of its street infrastructure. This information was used to develop a pavement management plan, which provides the basis for planning and funding street improvements. In 2012, this plan was incorporated into a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is intended to be updated annually as part of the budgeting process. This was done during 2015.