HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.18.24 Work SessionNovember 18, 2024
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Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in a workshop
setting on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 5:OOPM in the St. Joseph Government Center.
Members Present: Mayor Rick Schultz, Councilmembers Adam Scepaniak, Kevin Kluesner, Bob Loso,
Kelly Beniek
City Representatives Present: Administrator David Murphy, Finance Director Lori Bartlett, Public Works
Director Ryan Wensmann, Community Development Director Nate Keller, Police Chief Dwight
Pfannenstein, Recreation Director Rhonda Juell, City Clerk Kayla Klein
_2025 Budget: Bartlett provided a brief overview of the budget. The county numbers have gone down from
10.4% at the preliminary to about 7.62%. The result of the preliminary tax rate is 62.574%, a 3% increase
in the urban tax rate. Bartlett provided examples of property tax impacts for various properties in the city,
both residential and commercial.
Kluesner and Scepaniak were content with the budget as presented
Schultz questioned the value of a comprehensive plan, noting that a comp plan is expensive and is
outdated as soon as it's adopted. Schultz suggested the city move towards adopting a strategic plan. One
that can be completely done in house.
Keller expressed concern with getting rid of the comp plan as it is the tool that drives development and
the shaping of the city.
Discussions were had on the proposed increases to the Fire Chief and Assistant Chief pay. It was
determined that the increases would remain in the budget and that moving forward, those positions would
receive a cost of living increase consistent with that of staff.
Schultz raised the issue of IT services and that the city will need to address it sooner rather than later.
How should the city consolidate services so that all departments are provided for.
2025 Street Improvements: There was a brief discussion on the proposed street improvements for 2025.
Further discussions will occur at a December work session.
Work session was adjourned at 5:46PM.
GVV �-
Kayla Klein
City Clerk