(Editor's note: The following story appears in the Friday, Dec. 5, edition of the South Crow River News and the Monday, Dec. 8, edition of the North Crow River News.)

The Corcoran City Council continued to iron out budgetary issues in preparation of the Thursday, Dec. 11, truth-in-taxation hearing.

The council also discussed concern over traffic speeds at Willow Drive, at its Thursday, Nov. 24, meeting.

BUDGET

Councilor Paul Jacobs recommended keeping a 3% budget cap as was done last year, saving $83,000 from the budget. Jacobs suggested hiring a city administrator as an independent contractor, reducing benefits and payroll taxes by $35,000 per year.

Mayor Ken Guenthner said that, by law, cities could not have contract employees long-term. Jacobs also recommended combining the planning and engineering positions to save about $6,000 per year. Jacobs also suggested asking the city attorney about the legal aspects of hiring an independent city administrator.

Administrator Todd Bodem then presented the 2009 budget for city operations. Staff recommends the same level of service as ending in 2008. The proposed levy would be $2,589,049.

The council made some recommendations for 2009 expenditures, such as to determine costs for three city newsletters, cut the city attorney budget by $8,000, tracking operating supplies and determining why the planning and zoning expenses were $4,320 over budget.

The council also suggested budgeting $25,000 for the city hall heating/cooling system repair to get through until spring and then to use capital funds for the rest of the costs.

Later in the meeting, the council discussed the budget levy. Councilor Ron Thomas suggested adding $5,000 to start the process for planning a new public works facility.

Mayor Guenthner said the city needs to find a way to use capital funds or put money into operating expenses to fix the Shannon Lane culvert.

Police chief Sean Gormley said there were no major budget changes from his department since the last budget update. Thomas commended the chief and recommended bringing his salary up to the next step level.

Bodem then updated the council about revenues, with some minor changes.

Staff said it would go forward assuming a maximum levy at an allowable level.

The truth-in-taxation hearing is Thursday, Dec. 11 (see separate story about the 2009 budget).

ROAD SIGNS

In further news, councilor Jacobs said he received an e-mail asking the city to look into putting a four-way stop sign at Willow Drive to control the speed for through traffic.

The council and police chief Gormley discussed suggestions such as reducing the speed limit and posting a four-way stop sign at the road. Gormley suggested doing a speed study at Willow Drive.

Jacobs was asked to communicate back to the resident to discuss the matter during open forum at a council meeting.