Minneapolis Budget Committee Meeting Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: December 2, 2024
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Budget Committee
• Present: Payne, Wonsley, Rainville, Vetaw, Ellison, Osman, Cashman, Chavez, Chowdhury, Palmisano, Koski, Chughtai
• Absent: Jenkins
• Guests:
  • Brenda Miller (Human Resources)
  • Todd Barnett (Commissioner of Community Safety)
  • Finance Department staff
• Votes: 5 roll call votes

Highlights

• Denial of 4% salary increase for appointed employees making between $90,000-$390,000
• Approval of 4% salary increase for politically appointed employees
• Approval of new Deputy Commissioner of Community Safety position
• Presentation of Third Quarter 2024 Financial Status Report showing $21M property tax revenue shortfall
• Discussion of parking revenue rebound and AAA bond rating confirmation

Discussion

Appointed Employee Salary Increases

The committee debated a 4% salary increase for appointed employees. Several council members expressed concerns about approving raises for higher-paid positions during budget constraints. Councilmember Chowdhury noted this could save $1 million that could be redirected to other priorities. Councilmember Rainville opposed, stating “it seems vindictive and we’re focusing on these people. I don’t like that message at all.”

Quote from Councilmember Palmisano during subsequent discussion: “We voted on items on this agenda today, and some of us had information that this will be used as a source for a budget amendment on Friday or on Monday, and others didn’t have that information.”

Vote: 8 ayes, 4 nays (Denied)

Deputy Commissioner of Community Safety Position

Commissioner Barnett presented the case for creating a new Deputy Commissioner position with a salary range of $182,000-$215,000. He emphasized the role would help manage settlement agreement compliance and implementation of the Safe and Thriving Community Report. Councilmember Wonsley opposed, suggesting the funds would be better spent on additional staff under Director Harrington. Councilmember Rainville supported, citing the need for help with county and state coordination on public safety issues.

Vote: 10 ayes, 2 nays (Approved)

Third Quarter Financial Report

The Finance Department presented the Q3 financial status report highlighting several key issues:

• Property tax revenue is $21M under budget
• Parking revenue is rebounding but still below target
• City maintains AAA bond rating
• General Fund balance projected at $170M (21.5% of expenditures)
• Fleet Services fund showing concerning depletion Discussion focused on implications of downtown property value decreases and parking revenue trends.

No vote required - report filed

Public Comments

No public comments were recorded during this session.