Tim Walsh referred to the Storm of 1998.  "In 1998 we had firefighters in multiple locations.  We brought in multi-ple cities.  We have an emergency opera-tion plan.  I see the fire service as a differ-ent part."
Asked Councilmember Tim Amund-sen, "What percent of your calls are fires?"
"I don't have that," replied the Chief.   Continued Councilmember Amund-sen, "How many places are burning?  I'd like to know that before throwing out a half-million dollars.  Buildings have to be sprinkled for fire protection.  I'd like you to help me out with that.  How many fires are there?"
Mayor Mary Thun stated, "The ques-tion tonight is, are we transferring money into their account from our budget?" Councilmember Paulsen looked at the larger perspective and said, "We're get-ting ready to take title to 13.5 acres.  It's cost us $2.6 million and is going to $4.3 million over the next years.  We're burn-ing through cash.  That's the problem.  It's the pushing and the shoving that goes on.  You're here tonight because you're damn important."
Jim continued, "We're at about $1,400 per home now for city taxes, and we've got about 1,920 homes.  It's tight.  Our working capital is too skinny.  The pushing and shoving is real.  I think we need to talk through the global picture and look at all the other money issues."
Commented Councilmember Amund-sen about transferring money in 2008 to the Fire Equipment Fund, "I'm willing to submit some number, above zero, but I don't know that number tonight."

Thursday, August 23^rd
At the second budget workshop, several decisions were made regarding the various discussion items.
*Council agreed to approve the pur-chase of a quint ladder truck for the Fire Dept. and moved its purchase up to 2008. 
Said Councilmember Jim Paulsen, a member of the Finance Committee, "This decision did not come easily or without discussion.  It keeps peace over there ... The Fire Department is the big winner in the budget.  We've got to watch their capital improvement program.  Once something is in there, down on paper,  they think they get it."
Said Scott Manion, a Victoria resi-dent on the Finance Committee, "There's money in their fund." 
*Council agreed to eliminate the transfer of $75,000 to the Fire Department for the year 2008 - because there is already a large amount in the fire fund to acquire the quint - but to restart the dollar transfer in 2009.
*Council agreed to an additional $34,000 in the Sheriff's Contract for addi-tional patrolling after bar hours and speed-ing enforcement.
*Council agreed to budget approxi-mately $90,000 to hire a Park & Rec Director.  This is in addition to a Park & Rec Supervisor and Administrative Assis-tant.
*Council agreed to give $7,500 to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce for their upcoming Volksfest.  Last year the city gave the Chamber $5,000. 
Said Councilmember Tim Amundsen about the former Touch of Bavaria event held every year, "Touch of Bavaria was a neat little event that supported itself and made money.  Now we've got a full blown deal that people don't flock to ... If the businesses in town are making money from it, then why aren't they going to the businesses for their donations?"
Said Mayor Mary Thun, "For the last two years we've given them what they've asked for."
*Council agreed for purchases in the Public Works Dept., including $21,000 for a utility cart, $3,500 for bobcat attach-ments, $8,000 for bobcat trade-in, as well as $17,500 for replacement of an old pickup with a Jeep Liberty 4x4 off a state bid to be used by Building and Planning. 
*Council did not agree to give themselves a raise.  Said Councilmember
Richard Tieden, "This is one of the few jobs where I spend more money than I make.  It was over eight years ago that there was an increase.  If you've increased it one time, you've determined there is a value."
Said Councilmember Kim Roden, "I don't think it's the pay that attracts public service.  You're not going to get there if the issue is to quantify the job to the private sector."

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