Bruce Bester, chair of the Roseville Finance Commission, brought forward a Nov. 12 letter and contested assertions in that document, including an item claiming the commission’s financial analysis lacked substance and an estimate that the Pathways program had cost $250 million over 35 years. Bester said that figure appeared far too large and that a more realistic number would be closer to $9 million; he offered the commission’s services to take a deeper look at the Pathways program or another topic if the council wanted the commission to add it to its work plan.

Council members responded that while they appreciated the commission’s work, a deep dive on the relatively small Pathways program (described in the packet as representing 0.4% of the overall budget) might not produce the highest value. Multiple council members recommended directing the commission toward a review of the city’s capital improvement plan, including better ways to budget for inflation and to account for projects that cross multiple funding sources. Council members also emphasized the importance of clear questions and expected outcomes if the commission takes on a review, and they reminded commissioners to run proposed initiatives by the council before investing significant volunteer time.

Bester thanked the council for feedback and said the commission will follow up. Councilmembers encouraged staff and commissioners to coordinate on priorities for the coming year.