Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Tuesday  morning at City Hall.  All members were present.

Commissioners  continued discussing first draft of 2020 Budget.

At the budget meeting, City County Health presented its request of an increase of five percent over the 2019 budget, for a 2020 budget request of $28,131.

Five percent of funding comes from grants, 23 percent from other entities and 31 percent from contributions and a request of five mills from Barnes County.

The Valley City Park District requested, $38,300 as in previous years including insurance and electricity.

The LEAP program is offered, as a structured after school program on school days, from  3-p.m. to 5:30-p.m., from September to the end of May.  The Park District facilitates evening activities.

Valley City Barnes County Economic Development requested $33,000, in Sales Tax dollars.

$60,000 is requested from the county, $60,000 comes from memberships.

The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce requested $12,000 the same as 2019.  Also requested was $5,000 for the Summer Nights on Central concert series.  She said the DMV computers need replacing.

Kay Vinje pointed out the yearly events and activities, adding the goal of the Chamber is to attract more people to Valley City.

The Valley City Troubadours made their budget request, already in the budget.  Membership dues are also a part of the funding.

Barnes County Community Services did not request city support for 2020.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield said the city’s share of the premium increase is 25 percent, with the city proposing a premium increase to employees of eight percent, with the city picking up the remainder.

A committee of employees has been established to review health care costs.

The city may look at another health insurance provider.

South Central Transit requested   $20,000, however not all additional funding amounts area known, including federal dollars.

 

With the Visitors Committee,  the Lodging Tax at three percent is down so far this year.   One percent comes in from the food and beverage tax.   No budget dollar figure was talked about at the meeting as it was presented to the city.

With the Beautification Committee, the Lodging Tax at three percent is down so far this year.   One percent comes in from the food and beverage tax.   No budget dollar figure was talked about at the meeting as it was presented to the city.

The Beautification Committee, request was $4,000 from the city sales tax fund.  It was noted other funding comes from a tree planting match, and a Forest Service Grant.

It was pointed out that $7,900 also comes from the City Sales Tax Fund for the Wellness Center.

The Valley City Women’s Choir and Civic Orchestra requested  $1,300.

The meeting was shown live on CSi 68 followed by replays.

The next budget meeting is set for Monday August 5, at 7-a.m. at City Hall.