Item 2. Budget
City of Otsego│13400 90th Street NE, Otsego, MN 55330│Tel. (763) 441‐4414 Fax (763) 441‐9163
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Adam Flaherty, City Administrator & Finance Director
DATE: August 29, 2022
SUBJECT: Budget Meeting #6
On Monday, Council and staff will resume review of the draft 2023 General Fund budget. This
meeting is the third and final the special meetings scheduled for budget and tax levy review.
Please note that staff is seeking Council input during these budget review meetings to move the
budgeting process forward effectively and efficiently.
I have developed an outline of discussion topics below.
Budget Review
Council and staff will be reviewing General Fund department budgets as outlined in the attached
review schedule.
Property Tax Levy
Attached with the packet for this meeting, is an updated summary. Staff will review and explain
any changes that have occurred since the last budget meeting. Staff would be seeking Council
consensus at each meeting regarding the direction of the preliminary property tax levy amount.
Council Roundtable
This is an opportunity for the Council to express their current view on the budgets as presented
thus far and to discuss any recommended changes to the preliminary budgets and tax levies.
Next Steps
The Council will need to adopt the preliminary property tax levy, which is the maximum amount
the City can levy for taxes payable 2023. This action will take place at a regular Council meeting,
either on the 12th or the 26th of September, depending upon Council direction.
It should be noted that the preliminary property tax levy is the amount used for truth‐in‐taxation
notices that are sent to the taxpayers by Wright County.
City of Otsego│13400 90th Street NE, Otsego, MN 55330│Tel. (763) 441‐4414 Fax (763) 441‐9163
The final budget and property tax levy will not be adopted by the City Council until December.
Changes to the budget can still be made between now and then but increases to expenditures
become difficult because the primary revenue source to pay for those increases is property taxes.
The property tax levy can be decreased between now and then, but the levy cannot be increased.
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council on how they would like to proceed.
Materials Attached for Discussion
1) Department Expenditure Review Schedule
2) Budget Narrative for City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
3) Budget Narrative for Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
4) Budget Narrative for Interim Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs
5) Budget Changes Tracking Summary
6) Property Tax Levy Summary
Department Page Completed Department Page Completed Department Page CompletedStreets 32YesPolice Services 25YesCity Administrator 7Street Lights 37YesFire Protection 27YesFinance 13Fleet Management 38YesEmergency Management 30YesInformation Technology 15Revenues 2YesAnimal Control 31YesLegal 17City Council 5YesAdministration 9YesHuman Resources 18Assessing 12YesElections 11YesPark Maintenance 40Public Safety Commission 26YesPlanning 47YesRecreation 42Heritage Preservation Commission 44YesPrairie Center 20Parks and Recreation Commission 45YesCity Hall & Public Works Building 22Planning Commission 46YesOld Township Site 24Building Safety 28Engineering 36Economic Development 48Interfund Transfers 50August 8 August 22 August 29Y:\Budget\2023\2023 Budget Calendar
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2023 Budget Narrative
Adam Flaherty, City Administrator/Finance Director
August 29, 2022
Current Staffing
City Administrator/Finance Director: Adam Flaherty
Accountant: Julie Weiers
Finance Clerk: Mary Olson
Utility Billing: Tammi Vaith
Department Staff
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Current Staffing
Building Permit Technician: Barb Williams
Administrative Assistant: Kelly Thelen
Administrative Assistant: Sandy Lindenfelser
Department Staff
•Building Permit Technician; 2024
•Finance Clerk (PT); 2026
•Payroll Clerk; 2027
•Emergency Management; TBD
•Communications; TBD
•Information Technology; TBD
Department Current & Future:
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Strategic Plan Alignment
•Positioning for Growth
•Maintain strong financial position to support bond rating
•Continued progression of the Emergency Services Study
•Maintain high quality customer service
•Engaging Stakeholders
•Active participation in community partnerships
•Increase collaboration with Local/State/Federal representation
•Empowering the Organization
•Communication
•Employee Engagement
•Training Opportunities
Department Responsibilities: City Administrator
•Conduit for City Council and City Staff
•Meeting Agenda/Packets Review and Preparation
•Implementation of Ordinances and Policies
•Public Relations
•Leadership for Management Team
•Economic Development
•Contract Administration
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•Budgets and Property Taxes
•Financial Reporting and Audits
•Investments
•Cash Receipting: ~$4.1M per month
•Vendor Payments: ~$2.8M per month
•Debt Management
•Risk Management
•Builder and Developer Escrows
•Customer Service
•Assessment Searches: ~60 per month
Department Responsibilities: Finance
•Customer Service
•Phone Calls: ~26 per day
•User Accounts: 4,987
•Monthly Billing
•3,406 Mailed Bills (67%)
•$5.5M Total in 2021
•Payment Processing
•Checks/Cash: ~836 per month (25%)
•Online/Phone: ~3,374 per month (75%)
•Work Orders
•Meter Replacements: ~600 for 2022 YTD
•Turn On/Off
•Final Billings
Departmental Responsibilities: Utility Billing
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•Customer Service
•Phone Calls: ~68 per day
•Cash Receipting
•Licenses and Permits
•Fences
•Rental Housing
•Peddler/Solicitors
•Right-of-Way
•Building Safety
•New Construction, Additions, Decks, Roofs, Etc.
•Inspections Scheduling
•Other
•MyCivic – Code Enforcement
•Builder Escrows
Departmental Responsibilities: Administration
616 571 666 700 693 893 968 722
1147 1227
1791 1856
0
500
1000
1500
2000
Total Permits Issued
•Increase engagement with County/State/Federal Elected Officials
•Encourage Utility customers to sign up for e-bills
•Continued conversion of paper files to electronic retention
•Expand and refine electronic workflows
•Revised truth-in-taxation reporting requirements
•Enhanced capital project tracking and reporting
•Continue to expand forward looking financial forecasts
•Explore feasibility of electronic vendor payments
Goals:
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Thank you.
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2023 BUDGET
PRESENTATION
General Fun(d) –Human Resources
101‐41800‐###
OVERVIEW
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Department Responsibilities
Department Responsibilities
•Employee Benefits
•Personnel Records
•Payroll Processing
•Employee Engagement/Recognition
•On‐boarding
•Recruitment/Hiring
•Workers’ Compensation
•Communications
•Personnel Policy
•DOT Drug & Alcohol Compliance
Department Goals
•Utilize Focus Group & Sunshine Committee
Employee Engagement and Communication
•Classification and Compensation Study
•Review Benefit Package and Broker for alternate
structure
•Laserfiche past payroll information
•Improve Onboard Process and Timeline
•Create Partnership with ISD 728 & postsecondary
Schools –Shadow and Internship Programs
•Grow and Further Development Internship
Program
Strategic Plan Alignment
•Empowering the Organization
‐Employee Engagement:City Staff will improve our strategic groups,
with the intention to increase cross department communication,
and engaged emerging leaders. The goal of these groups would be
to increase staff involvement in organizational culture, value and
behaviors; and ultimately outline these. Employees would use these
groups to participate in the strategic plan process.
‐Performance Review Structure Review: City Staff has expressed
interest in redesigning our Performance Review Process. Staff will
be implementing a new review process to better meet the needs
and expectations of city staff.
‐Improve Onboarding Experience: In late 2021 the City implemented
a new Human Resource Information System (HRIS), which has
improved the onboarding experience for new employees. Though
research and discussions, the city plans to further the timeline of
“on‐boarding” to engage new employees
‐Internal Communications: Internal communications is an area that
needs to be continuously monitored and improved on. Each
department functions differently, and so a communication
plan/road map would be helpful.
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Strategic Plan Alignment ‐continued
•Engaging Stakeholders
•Communication Initiatives:Begin with engaging staff on city projects and
initiatives, this will translate into their interaction with residents. Ideally utilizing
peer to peer influence to share and strengthen communication with the public.
•Engagement with Elected Officials: Create communication with the new County
Commissioner after elections, work with school districts to keep up with on‐
going projects and concerns.
•Increase Engagement in Advisory Commissions: Start informational Flyers for
residents to learn more about the commissions and their roles with the city.
•Positioning for Growth
•Future Staffing Plan:In 2022 City Staff presented City Council with a future
projected staffing plan. City Staff will continue to improve and review the plan,
and work to implement the growth with council approval.
•Recruitments/On‐Boarding: Assist various departments on the growth of staff by
aiding in recruitments, hiring, and on‐board of the additional staff added to the
City of Otsego.
HIGHLIGHTS
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2022 Items
Completed
•Employee Engagement
Survey
•Employee Benefit Survey
•MCMA Administrative Intern
Grant
•Bamboo HR Implementation
&Payroll
•DOT Clearinghouse
•COBRA Administration
Implementation0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
1234567891011121314151617
Otsego ‐Employee Engagement Survey 2022
Aggregate Dept. Head Lead Staff
Bamboo HR
•HRIS system
•Very positive feedback from staff
•Time cards on cell phones
•Benefit information available to staff 24/7
•New features consistently being released
•Online Employment Applications
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Dues & Memberships
•Minnesota Employee Recreation & Services Council (MERSC)
•Minnesota City Managers Association (MCMA)
•Association of Public Management Professionals (APMP)
•International City Managers Association (ICMA)
•Random Drug Screen Membership
Education & training
•MCMA Annual Conference
•MCMA Winter Workshop
•Leadership ICMA
•Employee Recognition
•Wright County Admin Lunches
•HR Area Group Lunches
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Contracted Services
•Insights Discovery Profiles –New Hires
•Sunshine Committee Training Sessions
•Alerus COBRA Administration
•Bamboo HR/TRAXPayroll Payroll Services
•FSA Administration
•Compensation Study 2023
Sunshine Committee & Focus Groups
•Meet Monthly
•Past Topics
•Time Management
•Happiness
•Employee Survey
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Employer Paid Benefits
•Health Insurance
•One High Deductible Plan
•Dental Insurance
•Two dental plan options
•Short Term/Long Term Disability
•60% of wages for Sickness and
Injury(Max. of $750)
•AD&D Life Insurance ‐$25,000
•Health Savings Account (HSA)
•Employer Contribution
•*Proposed* Minnesota State
Retirement System (MSRS)
•Contribution to Health Care Savings
Plan (HCSP) –match HSA amount
95.83%
4.17%
Understanding of Benefits Offered
Yes No
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2023 Budget Narrative
Parks and Recreation Department
AUGUST 29, 2022
INTERIM PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR JACOBS
Alignment With Strategic Plan:
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BUILD AND STRENGTHEN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
AND COLLABORATION
•CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE DNR AND WRIGHT COUNTY TO
IMPROVE ACCESS TO PARKS AND TRAILS THROUGHOUT THE CITY
•WORK WITH ISD 728 FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING USING SCHOOL
FACILITIES
Engaging Stakeholders:
PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICES AS WE GROW
•STAFF WILL BE WORKING ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR: SCHOOL KNOLL,
PRAIRIE PARK BALLFIELDS, CARRICK'S LANDING, WAYFINDING
PROJECT
•STAFF WILL ALSO BE EXPANDING RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING BY
SEARCHING FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO OFFER DIVERSE
PROGRAMMING. (RC, FISHING, PICKLEBALL, ETC.)
Positioning for Growth:
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DEVELOP SKILLS AND BUILD OUR TEAM
•ATTENDING TRAININGS TO KEEP UP ON ALL CERTIFICATIONS (TREE
INSPECTOR, HERBICIDE, PLAYGROUND)
•ATTENDING STATEWIDE CONFERENCES FOR STATE ACCREDITED
ASSOCIATIONS
•WEEKLY TEAM MEETINGS TO DISCUSS TEAM GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES
•CLEAR OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS TO ACHIEVE PROMOTION
FROM MAINTENANCE I TO II
Empowering the Organization
STAFFING:
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Current Staff
Parks and Recreation Staff
(Left to Right)
Pat Launderville
Lead Parks Maintenance
Connie Schwecke
Recreation Coordinator
Nick Jacobs
Interim Parks and Recreation Director
CJ Huettl
Park Maintenance I
Staff Model
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PARKS MAINTENANCE I
SINCE THE LAST STAFF ADDITION, THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT HAS ADDED:
•TWO PARKS (APPROX 65 ACRES)
•8 ROUNDABOUTS
•10+ MILES OF TRAIL
•NEED ADDITIONAL HELP FOR PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE VS. REACTIVE
•AGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLAY EQUIPMENT = INCREASING MAINTENANCE
•ADDITION WOULDN’T START UNTIL APRIL OF 2023
Staff Addition 2023
•POTENTIAL NEED FOR FULL TIME RECREATION PROGRAMMER IN 2024/2025
-SEEING A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND SENIORS
•POTENTIAL PARK MAINTENANCE I IN 2027
-NEED BASED ON ADDITIONAL PARKS, ROUNDABOUTS, TRAILS, NATURAL AREAS
Future Growth Forecast
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Parks Maintenance
Athletic Fields and Park Irrigation
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Playgrounds Inspection and Maintenance
Seasonal Amenities
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Roundabouts
Trails Summer and Winter Maintenance 42+miles
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Department Statistics
Recreation Events and Programs
2021-2022
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425 FAMILIES
1,100-1,250 PARTICIPANTS
Egg Hunt
Touch-A-Truck
• 1,500+ Attendees
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MORE OFFERINGS IN 2022 WITH MORNING AND EVENING EVENTS 12 TOTAL
Splash and Play Summer Entertainment
430 KIDS!
Color Run (Morning and Evening Offering)
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Farmers Market
Programs and Leagues
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7,000+ ATTENDEES IN 2021
Prairie Festival
380 FAMILIES
1,000-1,250 PARTICIPANTS
Pumpkin Patch
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8/25/2022
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393 FAMILIES
1,250-1,400 PARTICIPANTS
Santa Day
Thank you!
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City of Otsego
General Fund Budget ‐ 2023
Budget Changes Tracking
Total Expenditures ‐ Draft Budget Binder (August 5) 7,871,939$
Remove Community Survey
City Council (20,000)
Remove/Modify Advisory Commissioner Training
Public Safety Commission (1,500)
Heritage Preservation Commission (1,000)
Parks and Recreation Commission (1,500)
Planning Commission (1,500)
Increase Contracted Hours from 48 to 50
Police Services 63,328
Total Expenditures ‐ Preliminary Budget (September 12 or 26) 7,909,767
Y:\Budget\2023\General Fund\2.0 - 2023 PRELIMINARY BUDGETS INPUT
City of Otsego
Property Tax Levy Calculations
Payable 2023
Revised: August 25, 2022
$% $%
2021 2022 2023 Change Change 2023 Change Change
General Revenues 4,671,000 5,009,000 5,245,000 236,000 4.71% 5,309,000 300,000 5.99%
Tax Abatements 45,874 40,228 87,744 47,516 118.12% 87,744 47,516 118.12%
Debt Service
Series 2010B 460,000 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
Series 2018A 94,551 97,187 94,415 (2,772) 94,415 (2,772)
Series 2020A 195,000 450,000 450,000 ‐ 450,000 ‐
**NEW** ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
Sub‐total 749,551 547,187 544,415 (2,772) ‐0.51% 544,415 (2,772) ‐0.51%
Capital Reserves
Pavement Management 1,050,000 1,100,000 1,100,000 ‐ 1,100,000 ‐
Trails Management 40,000 63,000 65,000 2,000 65,000 2,000
Parks Equipment 62,000 64,000 70,000 6,000 70,000 6,000
Capital Equipment Revolving 300,000 320,000 480,346 160,346 480,346 160,346
Fire Reserve 190,000 200,000 210,000 10,000 210,000 10,000
Storm Water 34,000 36,000 38,000 2,000 38,000 2,000
Capital Improvements 661,000 1,175,590 ‐ (1,175,590) ‐ (1,175,590)
City Buildings & Property 25,000 30,000 35,000 5,000 35,000 5,000
Sub‐total 2,362,000 2,988,590 1,998,346 (990,244) ‐33.13% 1,998,346 (990,244) ‐33.13%
Tax Rate Management (Flexibility) 2,494,821 2,430,821
Grand Total 7,828,425 8,585,005 10,370,326 1,785,321 20.80% 10,370,326 1,785,321 20.80%
Growth (%) 8.82% 9.66%
Tax Capacity 22,876,221 25,254,743 30,504,905 30,504,905
Growth (%) 10.29% 10.40% 20.79% 20.79%
Net Tax Capacity 22,591,258 24,852,871 30,019,489 30,019,489
Growth (%) 10.22% 10.01% 20.79% 20.79%
Tax Rate 34.653 34.545 34.545 34.545
Population 18,130 19,966 21,289 21,289
Tax Levy Per Capita 432 430 487 487
Taxing 2021 2022 2023 2023
Authority Final Tax Rate Final Tax Rate Estimate Change Estimate Change
City of Otsego 34.653 34.545 34.545 0.00% 34.545 0.00%
Wright County 43.719 43.751 43.751 0.00% 43.751 0.00%
School District 31.717 30.889 30.889 0.00% 30.889 0.00%
School District ‐ RMV 30.598 28.698 28.698 0.00% 28.698 0.00%
Description 2021 2022 2023 Change 2023 Change
Median Appraised Value 258,455 290,081 328,710 13.32% 328,710 13.32%
Less: MV Exclusion (13,979) (11,133) (7,656) (7,656)
Taxable Market Value 244,476 278,948 321,054 15.09% 321,054 15.09%
Tax Capacity 2,445 2,789 3,211 3,211
2021 2022 2023 2023
Taxing Estimated Estimated Estimated Estimated
Authority Tax Tax Tax Change Tax Change
City of Otsego 847 964 1,109 15.04% 1,109 15.04%
Annual Increase 145 145
Same Tax Rate Illustration (8‐22‐2022)Same Tax Rate Illustration (8‐29‐2022)
Levy Description
Y:\Budget\2023\Property Taxes\Tax Levy Calculations (2023)8‐29