08-18-04 WSi
OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET WORKSHOP,
August 18, 2004.
Roll Call: Otsego City Council: Mayor Larry Fournier,
Councilmembers Jerry Struthers, Dan Scharber, Virginia
Wendel, and Vern Heidner.
City Staff: City Administrator Michael''Robertson, City Clerk
Judy Hudson, Bookkeeper Kathy Grover, and Accountant Gary
Groen.
Mayor Fournier called the workshop to order at 7:00 p.m.
City staff reviewed the preliminary budget with Council and
discussed the following issues.
MEDICAL & DENTAL INSURANCE
KC Foster of First National Insurance was present to discuss
insurance costs. KC reviewed the current medical insurance
with Medica and the dental insurance with Principal. KC
explained what was behind the increases�in costs the City had
been seeing the last few years.
Administrator Robertson noted that they had shopped the
City's medical insurance to see if they, could get a better
price. KC Foster stated that if the City did not switch
plans its costs would go up $18,000. Council was in
consensus to switch medical plans to Blue Cross whereby it
would have similar coverage at no extra cost. Council was in
consensus to switch the dental plan to AIG where it would
receive similar coverage at less cost than 2004. Council was
in consensus not to change the amount it contributed toward
employee insurance.
SALARIES
Council directed staff to budget a 3% increase.
DEPARTMENTS
Administration - Council was in consensus to add an intern
position.
Finance - Council was in consensus to add a part-time
bookkeeper and more hours of Gary Groen,"s time. Council
directed to staff to provide more financial updates during
the year.
Police Services - Council was in consensus to keep the hours
at 32 but to set some money aside if an,increase was needed.
Streets - Council was in consensus to add dust control back
into the budget.
r
Parks - Council stressed that the Commission should seek
recreational opportunities for all ages!!of kids.
Other items were to review Contracted Services, make certain
all related legal and planning costs were accurately
accounted for in Parks and Historic Preservation, examine the
estimated ball field and park maintenance costs.
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52
p.m.
Michael doertso;F�
City Administrator