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Orono City Council <br /> Work Session Minutes <br /> Monday, September 24, 2018 <br /> Council Chambers 5:00 p.m. <br /> PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard F. Crosby II, Wendy Dankey <br /> and Victoria Seals. Representing staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Police Chief <br /> Coffey Farniok, Finance Director Ron Olson, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Adam <br /> Edwards, Accountant Maggie Ung, and City Clerk Anna Carlson. <br /> GUESTS: <br /> Mark Kroll <br /> Meeting Start Time: 5:00 p.m. <br /> 1. Enterprise Budget Discussion <br /> Finance Director Ron Olson presented the 2019 Enterprise Fund Budgets. Olson noted the <br /> goal of the enterprise funds is to operate independent of tax support. A rate study was does <br /> in 2009 and the suggested rate increases are used to set the annual revenue budget. The rate <br /> study had been reviewed in 2014 and the suggested rate increases are used to set the annual <br /> revenue budget. Olson noted that staff is working on an updated rate study. Olson noted <br /> once we complete the rate study rates will most likely change and need an increase. <br /> Council Member Victoria Seal mentioned that she would like a notification to be sent out <br /> first prior to the rate change. <br /> There was discussion of the consideration of other municipalities close by joining Orono's <br /> utilities, however more discussion would take place in the future. <br /> Mayor Dennis Walsh mentioned that the biggest take away from this discussion is that the <br /> conversation has begun and there is potential for other revenues. <br /> Olson mentioned the biggest change for the Sewer fund is the Met Council Charges. <br /> Walsh mentioned that regardless of what the number is for Met Council Charges, we have no <br /> choice other than to pay it and at least we know what the charge is related to. Walsh also <br /> noted that the storm water work being done during road construction is paid for from the <br /> sewer fund. <br /> There was discussion regarding the cameras, man power and other items that affect the sewer <br /> fund. <br /> Olson noted that the Recycling fund will see an increase of 2.5% from Waste Management. <br /> Olson also mentioned that the Cable fund is used for anything in the council chambers, <br /> upgrades to video equipment, live stream meetings, etc. <br />