HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-2026 - Minutes City Council - Work Session Ic-oA0
lc, Minutes
City Council Work Session
tiF Monday, June 8, 2026, 5:00 PM
`'kFSHOtttG City Council Chambers 12780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Mayor Bob Tunheim, Alisa Benson, Jacqueline Ricks, Jon Schwingler,
Steve Persian.
Staff present: Finance Director Maggie Jin, City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards,
Accountant/HR Representative Anne Hentges, Police Chief Chad Stensrud, City Clerk Christine
Lusian
PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY
The Council held a work session to review the 2027 budget process, priorities, and preliminary levy
expectations. Staff outlined key budget impacts, including Shoreline Fire Department costs, 2050
Comprehensive Plan, tree management, Internal Service Fund adjustments, and wages and benefits.
Additional considerations included strategic planning, future positions such as an arborist, and
community events. Council discussed levy and tax rate scenarios and budget reduction options.
Staff will present the first draft budget, including line-item details, at the July 13 work session. A
second draft is scheduled for September 14, with preliminary budget and levy adoption planned for
September 28 and county certification due September 30. The Enterprise funds will be reviewed in
August, CIP will be reviewed in October, and the Fee Schedule in November.
Council directed staff to continue developing the budget with a goal of keeping the tax rate within
one-half percent; to bring back information on City Council compensation for future discussion,
noting that compensation has not been adjusted since 1997 and that periodic review may help ensure
public service remains accessible to a broad range of residents; and requested information on which
General Fund expenditures are restricted or non-restricted to better understand flexibility and where
budget adjustments could be made.
ADJOURNMENT
Work session ended at 5:54 pm.
ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL
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Chris ' sian, i Clerk Bob Tunheim, Mayor