Setting of the 2027 Maximum Levy for City, HRA, and EDA Budget and Property Tax Levies

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member Schwar [18:03] · Seconded by Council member [18:05]

Finance Director Dan Winnick presented the preliminary 2027 maximum levy, aiming for a total levy increase of no more than 6%. This target was achieved through a $15,000 reduction in the Economic Development Authority (EDA) levy and a corresponding $25,000 increase in the general fund's investment income, after initial proposals. The city's levy components (general, street, park, asset preservation, debt funds) were detailed, and Ramsey County city levy comparisons were provided, showing North St. Paul's proposal as competitive. A council member raised a question regarding potential federal interest rate increases impacting future city bonding, to which the Finance Director acknowledged the concern for 2028 and beyond, but not the immediate 2027 levy.

Resolution adopting the preliminary 2027 tax levy for the North St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member [19:04] · Seconded by Council member Norby [19:07]

This resolution, part of the overall levy setting, specifically concerned the preliminary 2027 tax levy for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The amount proposed and approved remained consistent with the previous year at $11,000, contributing to the overall 6% levy increase target.

Resolution adopting the preliminary 2027 tax levy for the North St. Paul Economic Development Authority

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member [19:51] · Seconded by Council member Woods [19:54]

This resolution finalized the preliminary 2027 tax levy for the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at $185,97. This figure reflects the $15,000 reduction discussed as part of the strategy to achieve the city's overall 6% levy increase target, demonstrating a directed adjustment in this specific fund.

City Financial Software Upgrade from Tyler Technologies ERP Pro 9 to Pro 10

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member Schwar [28:51] · Seconded by Council member McKenzie [28:54]

Finance Director Dan Winnick presented the case for upgrading the city's outdated Tyler Technologies ERP Pro 9 financial software to Pro 10. The current system is inefficient for modern utility billing, manual for EV and solar net metering, prone to record locking, and has poor reporting capabilities. Pro 10 offers improved search, multi-user access, better reporting, and future capabilities like in-house bill printing. The city had previous issues with an OpenGov contract but emphasized using the same vendor for this upgrade reduces data migration risks. The upgrade involves a $6,400 annual increase for a contract manager module and a one-time $37,000 migration fee. A council member inquired about data security and breaches, which was generally addressed by noting the cloud-based nature and expected higher security of newer software.

Application for and Agreement with Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for Water Tower Grant

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member McKenzie [32:56] · Seconded by Council member Woods [32:59]

The City Council approved a resolution to apply for and enter into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) for a $4.5 million grant. This grant, initially allocated for a community center, was reappropriated for the water tower project during the previous legislative session, with support from Representative Leon Lily and Senator Tu Jang. The MPFA is a new entity for the city to collaborate with on grants, different from the prior Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute the necessary application documents, with the formal grant agreement to follow for council approval.