Preliminary 2025 City General Fund Budget and Tax Levy

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Wong [7:09] · Seconded by Council Member Norby [7:09]

Finance Director Dan Winck presented the preliminary 2025 General Fund budget of approximately $10.2 million and a tax levy of approximately $7.8 million, encompassing general purpose, park, street maintenance, and debt service components. A reduction of $21,792 for the Casey Lake Bond was included. The overall preliminary maximum levy, combining City, HRA, and EDA, was cited as 9.88%. The Truth and Taxation meeting was scheduled for December 3, 2024, with final budget approval on December 17, 2024. Council Member Cole sought clarification on the difference between the general fund levy percentage and the collective total, and the backing for the parks levy.

Preliminary 2025 North St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Tax Levy

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Wong [7:11] · Seconded by Council Member Norby [7:11]

The resolution established the preliminary maximum tax levy for the HRA at $50,000, noting it is an increase from $11,000 in prior years but subject to further discussion and potential reduction. The associated HRA budget of $496,000 primarily covers staff costs and expenses related to student build housing initiatives.

Preliminary 2025 North St. Paul Economic Development Authority (EDA) Tax Levy

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Schweer [7:14] · Seconded by Council Member Norby [7:14]

The preliminary tax levy for the EDA was maintained at $2,970, consistent with previous years, with an equivalent budget. It was mentioned that the budget could change due to a proposed $60,000 shift from the general fund to the EDA to cover a downtown design manual study, a move the EDA has already endorsed.

Closed Session: Labor Negotiations Strategy

Dissent: None

Moved by Council Member Wong [7:43] · Seconded by Council Member Schweer [7:43]

The City Council voted to move into a closed session as permitted by state statute 13D.03 to formulate and discuss the city's strategy for ongoing labor negotiations. This included upcoming negotiations with several unions: the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 160, Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Employees Union Local 320, Law Enforcement Labor Services Local 211 (for patrol and sergeants), and AFSCME Council 5 (for essential and non-essential unions).