By MaryHelen Swanson

Five new positions on staff in the city of North Branch might make life easier for everyone. But can the city afford them?

Thatís what the council members and city staff have been discussing at special budget meetings throughout the summer.

The five recommended positions have been prioritized by the budget committee of finance director David Stutelberg, city administrator Joe Lynch and city clerk Bridgitte Konrad.

On top is the full-time city engineer position. Currently, North Branch has on staff a part-time position paid on an hourly basis. The position is held by Julie Dresel.

Second in priority is another full-time police officer, followed by an accounting position, which is expected to save the city money in contracted auditor services, a planning position, needed because of the continuing growth, and a full-time liquor store clerk.

At this time, all of the costs associated with the new positions have been included in the proposed levy for 2005 which is seeing an increase over 2004 of $465,000.

Included in that increase is $125,000 for a salt shed which, Lynch said at a recent budget meeting, could be taken out.

The increase for new and reclassified positions would be $284,000.

Councilor Amy Oehlers asked about an intern for the planning position. It was decided that they have been useful but temporary.
Councilor Kathy Blomquist suggested park board members take on responsibilities such as grant writing. Mayor Gloria Karsky thought perhaps there were community members who could volunteer time and expertise in the parks areas.

The liquor store position, Lynch feels, is something that could wait until the store expands operations.

Preliminary information from the county, Lynch told the council, shows that even with a proposed 28 percent levy increase, taxpayers could see a 10 percent decrease because of the increase in market value in the city.

Budget work continues Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. The city must certify a preliminary levy to the county by Sept. 15.

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