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2026-06-23 WS City Council Agenda
Richfield City Council Agenda June 23, 2026 -- 5:00 PM Richfield Municipal Center Bartholomew Conference Room 6700 Portland Avenue South 1. Call to Order 2. Item Discussion a. Essential Services Study 3. Adjournment Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9739. Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Council Chambers Agenda Packet book located by the entrance. The complete Council Agenda Packet is available electronically on the City of Richfield website. Page 1 of 33 City Council Meeting 6/23/2026 Agenda Section: Item Discussion Agenda Item: 2.a. Report Prepared By: Courtney DesCamps, Senior Analyst Department Director: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager Item for Consideration: Essential Services Study EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Craig Rapp of Rapp Consulting Group will provide the City Council with an update on the Essential Services Study and the service categorization process completed to date. The presentation will review the classification framework, summarize how City services have been categorized, and discuss key observations from the process. The purpose of the update is to provide Council with information regarding the study's progress and preliminary results and to allow for Council discussion and feedback. Rapp Consulting Group will present the final report and findings at a future City Council meeting, likely September 22, 2026. RECOMMENDED ACTION No recommended action, for Council discussion only. HISTORICAL CONTEXT The Essential Services Study was initiated as part of Strategic Initiative 1d of the City's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which called for the development of an essential service delivery plan by 2026. The City retained Rapp Consulting Group to assist with inventorying and categorizing City services using a structured framework intended to distinguish between legally mandated, core, discretionary, support, and enterprise services. The consultant has completed the service categorization process and will provide an overview of the methodology and results. EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS The Essential Services Study supports implementation of Strategic Initiative 1d and may provide a framework for future discussions regarding service delivery, resource allocation, strategic priorities, and organizational planning. POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) N/A CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES N/A FINANCIAL IMPACT Page 2 of 33 N/A LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS N/A ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) N/A ATTACHMENTS 1. Richfield_ESS_TransmittalMemo_Council 2. Framework - Principles and Methodology 3. Service Classification Framework 4. Master Service Inventory (Appendix A) — FINAL (June 2026) 5. Richfield_ESS_CouncilDeck_June23_with-budget-slide Page 3 of 33 MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Craig Rapp, President — Rapp Consulting Group DATE: June 16, 2026 RE: Essential Services Study — Advance Materials for the June 23 Work Session In preparation for the work session on June 23, we are forwarding three documents for your review. Together they form the foundation of our discussion: (1) the Service Classification Framework — the seven categories at the heart of the study ; (2) the Framework: Principles and Methodology, which explains how each service was evaluated and classified, and (3) the Master Service Inventory, the single authoritative catalog of every City service, which will appear as Appendix A of the final study report. Purpose of the study The Essential Services Study fulfills a key Strategic Initiative of the City's 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and represents the first comprehensive classification of municipal services in Richfield's history. Its purpose is to provide the Council and staff with a clear, consistent, and evidence-based framework for understanding the services the City delivers, distinguishing among legally required services, community- essential services, discretionary services, and internal support functions, along with the resources devoted to each. The study makes no decisions and recommends no reductions. It is designed to inform future planning and budgeting, not to substitute for the Council's judgment. Importantly, the classifications describe the nature of each service — not its importance. What you are receiving 1. Service Classification Framework. A one-page overview of the classification structure. It presents all seven categories on a single page — what defines each, what would happen if the City stopped providing it, the share of services each represents, and Richfield examples. It is the quickest way to see the framework as a whole, and the best place to start. 2. Framework: Principles and Methodology. The companion explainer to the framework. It sets out the guiding principles applied consistently across every department and the distinctions that shaped the results — for example, that a service can be heavily regulated without being legally mandated, and that “legally required” and “essential to the community” answer two different questions. 3. Master Service Inventory (Appendix A). The central deliverable: a detailed spreadsheet cataloging all 152 City services across eight departments. For each service it provides its classification (Categories 1 through 5); a brief description and, where applicable, the governing legal citation; the annual budget Page 4 of 33 and FTEs; its primary funding source and budget flexibility level; and whether an alternative delivery option was identified, along with the type. Services are color-coded by classification and organized by department for ease of reference. What comes next At the June 23rd work session, we will walk through the background, the classification framework, and the inventory itself, with time for discussion. The full study report will follow. Budget flexibility, resource (FTE and budget) implications, and alternative-delivery options are integral to the study; we will take these up in depth at a second work session, anticipated September 22, once the full report is in hand. Finally, we want to acknowledge the City's department staff, whose openness, time, and candor made this work possible — including the many occasions on which they corrected and sharpened our thinking. The result is stronger for their partnership. We look forward to the conversation at the work session. Respectfully, Craig Rapp President, Rapp Consulting Group craig@craigrapp.com Page 5 of 33 © Rapp Consulting Group City of Richfield Essential Services Study Framework: Principles and Methodology Purpose The purpose of the Essential Services Study was to develop a consistent framework for evaluating City services based on legal requirements, operational necessity, funding structure, community expectations, and budget flexibility. The resulting classifications are not intended to measure the importance of a service. Rather, they are intended to help elected officials and staff understand: • Which services are legally required; • Which services represent core municipal functions; • Which services are discretionary or enhancement-oriented; • Which services primarily support other services; and • Where flexibility may exist regarding service delivery and resource allocation. Throughout the review process, numerous services were examined, challenged, and reconsidered. The framework ultimately evolved through repeated testing across all departments to ensure consistency and defensibility. Guiding Principle #1 Classify Services as Organized and Delivered by the City The study classifies services as they are currently organized, budgeted, staffed, and managed by the City. Examples include: • Police Operations • Fire Emergency Response • Organized Hauling • Election Administration • Community Center Operations This approach preserves a direct connection between: • Service inventories • Department budgets • Staffing assignments • Organizational responsibilities At the same time, classifications were based on the underlying governmental purpose of each service rather than solely on its organizational location or historical structure. The goal was not to create a theoretical model of local government, but rather to evaluate the actual services provided by the City in a manner that is understandable and useful for decision-makers. Page 6 of 33 © Rapp Consulting Group Guiding Principle #2 Regulation Does Not Equal Mandate A recurring question throughout the review process was: Is this service regulated, or is this service required? Many services are heavily regulated once a city chooses to provide them. Examples include: • Pool operations • Ice arena concessions • Lifeguard certifications • Food manager certifications • Employee training requirements The presence of regulations does not automatically make a service mandatory. For example, state law may require certified lifeguards if a municipal pool operates. However, the City is not required to operate a pool. Therefore, the regulatory requirements associated with pool operations do not convert the service into a legally mandated function. This distinction helped prevent regulatory requirements from being mistaken for statutory mandates. Guiding Principle #3 CAT-1 Requires a Federal or State Mandate The study ultimately adopted a strict definition for CAT-1 services. A service was classified as CAT-1 only when: • Federal or State law requires the function to exist; and • Failure to provide the function would result in legal or regulatory non-compliance. Local ordinances were intentionally excluded from CAT-1 determination. This distinction was important because local governments may create local ordinances, programs, and requirements that exceed state or federal requirements. Including local ordinances would effectively allow municipalities to create their own CAT-1 services. Examples of CAT-1 services include: • Election Administration • City Clerk Functions • Public Records and Data Practices • Finance and Financial Reporting • Planning • Zoning • Building Inspections • Certain Utility Compliance Functions Page 7 of 33 © Rapp Consulting Group Guiding Principle #4 Statutory and Regulatory Functions vs. Essential Community Services One of the most important distinctions developed during the review was between services that exist primarily because they are required by federal or state law and services that exist because they represent core municipal responsibilities expected by the community. CAT-1 Services CAT-1 services primarily exist to satisfy statutory, regulatory, reporting, compliance, or delegated governmental responsibilities established by federal or state law. Examples include: • Election Administration • City Clerk Functions • Public Records and Data Practices • Finance and Financial Reporting • Planning and Zoning Administration • Building Code Administration • Certain Utility Compliance Functions While many of these services may be delivered through employees, consultants, or contracted providers, their primary purpose is to fulfill legal obligations imposed by higher levels of government. CAT-2 Services CAT-2 services primarily exist because they represent core municipal services expected by residents and elected officials. Examples include: • Police Operations • Fire Emergency Response • EMS Response • Prosecution Services • Street Maintenance • Snow and Ice Control Many CAT-2 services are heavily regulated and may contain statutory elements. However, their primary purpose is service delivery rather than regulatory compliance. The distinction between CAT-1 and CAT-2 is therefore not based on whether a service can be contracted or delivered through alternative organizational models. Many CAT-1 and CAT-2 services can be delivered through employees, consultants, shared-service arrangements, or contracts. Instead, the distinction reflects the dominant purpose of the service: • Regulatory and compliance-oriented functions generally fall within CAT-1. • Essential community service delivery functions generally fall within CAT-2. Page 8 of 33 © Rapp Consulting Group Guiding Principle #5 Core Government Functions Are Not Necessarily CAT-1 Throughout the review process, it became clear that some of the City's most important services are not necessarily CAT-1 services. Examples include: • Police Operations • Fire Emergency Response • EMS Response • Prosecution Services • Legal Counsel These services are essential to municipal operations and community expectations. However, they are not primarily regulatory or compliance functions and therefore do not fit within the CAT-1 definition adopted for the study. As a result, the study intentionally distinguishes between: • Legally mandated governmental functions; and • Essential municipal services. This distinction helps preserve meaningful differentiation between CAT-1 and CAT-2 classifications. Guiding Principle #6 Enterprise and Cost-Recovery Services Require Separate Consideration Certain services operate under funding structures that differ significantly from traditional General Fund services. Examples include: • Municipal Liquor Operations • Water Utilities • Wastewater Utilities These services often operate through: • Enterprise funds; • Dedicated fees; • Cost-recovery mechanisms; or • Dedicated revenue streams. The CAT-5 classifications were retained because they communicate important information regarding funding structure, financial self-sufficiency, and budget flexibility that would otherwise be lost if these services were grouped solely according to legal requirements. Page 9 of 33 © Rapp Consulting Group Guiding Principle #7 Apply the “What Happens If the City Stops Doing This?” Test One of the most useful analytical tools developed during the review process was the following question: What happens if the City stops providing this service? CAT-1 Legal or regulatory non-compliance occurs. CAT-2 Core municipal functions fail, or community expectations are significantly disrupted. CAT-3 Service levels decline, but municipal operations continue. CAT-4 Internal support functions are affected, but direct public services largely continue. CAT-5 The service remains important but is distinguished primarily by funding structure or revenue model. This test proved useful in evaluating borderline classifications across multiple departments. Final Observation The final classifications should not be interpreted as a ranking of importance. Many CAT-2 services are more visible to residents and may be perceived as more important than some CAT-1 services. Rather, the classifications are intended to answer a different question: How much flexibility does the City have regarding whether and how the service is provided? The framework therefore reflects a combination of: • Legal obligation; • Regulatory compliance; • Community expectations; • Funding structure; • Operational necessity; and • Budget flexibility. The result is a classification system designed to support informed policy discussions, strategic decision-making, and future resource allocation decisions. Page 10 of 33 T H E C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S Y S T E M Richfield Service Classification Framework Each of the City’s 152 services is classified by its nature — not by its importance or value. Seven categories: four defined by purpose, three by funding model. Defined by purpose CAT-1 Statutory / Mandated 20 services · 13% Required by federal or state law. If stopped: legal or regulatory non-compliance. In Richfield: Elections · City Clerk · Public Records · Planning · Zoning · Finance & Treasury CAT-2 Core Services 25 services · 16% Essential community service residents expect — not primarily a legal mandate. If stopped: core functions fail; community expectations significantly disrupted. In Richfield: Police · Fire · EMS · Prosecution · Street plowing · Road repair CAT-3 Discretionary / Enhanced 66 services · 43% Enhances quality of life. If stopped: service levels decline, but operations continue. In Richfield: Outdoor pool · Recreation programs · Community events · Passports · Motor-vehicle / deputy registrar CAT-4 Support / Enabling 31 services · 20% Internal function that enables other services. If stopped: support is affected; public services largely continue. In Richfield: Human Resources · Information Technology · Fleet / vehicle maintenance · Facilities · GIS Defined by funding model CAT-5A Profit Enterprise 1 service · 1% Business-type service that generates net revenue. In Richfield: Municipal liquor operations CAT-5B Self-Sustaining Utility 9 services · 6% Rate-funded service that operates at break-even. In Richfield: Water utility · Wastewater (sewer) utility CAT-5C Revenue-Generating Regulatory None today Above-cost fees or franchise revenue. In Richfield: None today. Example: utility franchise or ROW fees priced above cost Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group · June 2026 Page 11 of 33 Department Service Name Service Description Category (CAT-1 to CAT-5C)Legal Citation Annual Budget FTEs Budget Flexibility Primary Funding Source(s) Alt. Delivery? (Y/N)Alternative Delivery Type Key Considerations / Rationale Administrative Services City Clerk (Council Mtgs, Public Notices, Domestic Partnerships)City Clerk services including council meeting support, public notices, records CAT-1 M.S. Chs. 13, 13D, 138, 331A, 412 $47,872 1.5 VERY LIMITED Property Taxes N No Administrative Services Public Records (Records Mgmt, Ordinances & Resolutions, Data Requests) Public records management and data practice compliance CAT-1 M.S. Ch. 13 Incl. w/ Clerk Incl. w/ Clerk VERY LIMITED Property Taxes N No Administrative Services Election Administration Administer city elections CAT-1 M.S. Chs. 200–211C; 52 U.S.C. Ch. 209 $328,331 Incl. w/ Clerk + 1.7 VERY LIMITED Investment Earnings and Cell Tower Rental N No Administrative Services Election Administration — School Board Administer school board elections by contract CAT-3 $69,954 Incl. w/ Clerk + .85 HIGH Charges to School District Y Contract (School District) The budget amount is from the 2025 election. The CIty will administer the school board election in 2027 and then school board elections will move to even years. Administrative Services Passports Process passport applications CAT-3 $169,612 1.7 HIGH Fees Y Private Contract \~7,400 passport transactions/yr. Administrative Services Motor Vehicles Process MV license and tab renewals CAT-3 $593,642 5.95 HIGH Fees Y Private Contract \~55,000 DMV transactions/yr. Administrative Services Public Meetings — Record and Share Record and disseminate audio/video of public meetings CAT-3 $29,000 0.2 HIGH Property Taxes / Cable Franchise Fees / Reserves Y Contract Out Administrative Services Community Engagement and Events Organize and host free community events; partnerships CAT-3 $87,500 Incl. w/ Communications HIGH Property Taxes / Cable Franchise Fees / Reserves Y Non-profit / Community Groups Administrative Services Administration General management of Administrative Services CAT-4 $171,262 1. MODERATE Property Tax and Interfund Allocations N No Administrative Services Building Services Building maintenance for city-owned facilities CAT-4 $1,103,339 3.5 MODERATE Property Taxes and Internal Charges Y Private Contract Depreciation of $33,980 and capital outlay of $120,000 are not included in the total amount. Administrative Services Customer Service / Deputy Registrar Receive and route foot traffic, phone, and mail CAT-4 $84,806 0.85 LIMITED Property Tax / Fees Y AI / Unattended Option 90% non-reception workload. Administrative Services Internal Communications and Engagement Internal employee communications and engagement strategies CAT-4 $87,500 1.95 MODERATE Property Taxes / Cable Franchise Fees / Reserves Y Other Department Revenue declining annually — trend to monitor. Administrative Services External Communications and Public Information Website, social media, graphic design, press releases, brand standards CAT-4 $212,400 Incl. w/ Communications MODERATE Property Taxes / Cable Franchise Fees / Reserves Y Outsource to Private Sector Administrative Services Human Resources (Recruitment, Employee Relations, Training) HR services including recruitment, staffing, employee relations, compliance CAT-4 $360,783 3. MODERATE Property Tax and Interfund Allocations Y Contract Out Cost recovery includes charges to other depts. Administrative Services Insurance Fund Risk management and liability/property insurance administration CAT-4 $1,381,602 N/A MODERATE Employer and Employee Contributions Y Purchase or Contract Requires separate cost recovery analysis. Administrative Services Workers Compensation (Self-Insured)First reports of injury; leave and return-to-work support CAT-4 Incl. w/ Insurance N/A MODERATE Internal Charges Y Purchase or Contract Self-insured workers compensation administration and return-to-work coordination Administrative Services Dental Self-Insurance Dental self-insurance plan CAT-4 $153,000 N/A MODERATE Employer and Employee Contributions Y Purchase or Contract Administrative Services Flex Benefits / FSA (Section 125 Plan)Flexible spending account plan CAT-4 $84,000 N/A MODERATE Employer and Employee Contributions Y Purchase Administrative Services Information Technology (Network, Software Management)Centralized technology, applications, infrastructure, and user support CAT-4 $1,758,083 5.5 MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges Y IT Managed Service Includes 20% of IT Technician II and 30% GIS Coordinator positions. Cost recovery includes inter-dept charges. Depreciation of $114,620 and $89,908 are not included in the total amount. Administrative Services Telephony / VoIP Management Manage city phone system, desk phones, softphones, voicemail CAT-4 Included in Information Technology Incl. w/ IT MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges Y IT Managed Service Administrative Services Workstation Provisioning Procurement, setup, and lifecycle of all staff computers CAT-4 Included in Information Technology Incl. w/ IT MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges Y Various IT Vendors Administrative Services Mobile Device Management Manage and secure city-issued mobile phones and tablets CAT-4 Included in Information Technology Incl. w/ IT MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges Y JAMF / Intune Administrative Services Physical Security Systems Building access control (key fobs) and video surveillance CAT-4 Included in Information Technology Incl. w/ IT MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges Y Various Security Vendors Administrative Services GIS System GIS system management and mapping CAT-4 Incl. w/ Other Funds Incl. w/ Other Funds MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges Y IT Managed Service Some staff cost in IT budget. Administrative Services Liquor Operations Municipal off-sale liquor retail (4 locations)CAT-5A $13,513,365 23.9 HIGH Liquor Sales Y Private Retail Gross profit; cost recovery slightly below 100% if GF transfers included. Depreciation of $281,430 is not included in this amount. Executive Governance and Policy Support Policy making and oversight responsibilities CAT-1 M.S. Chs. 410, 412 $323,712 Mayor and 4 Council Members VERY LIMITED Property Tax N No Executive Executive Leadership and Administration (City Manager)Managing day-to-day city operations and services CAT-1 M.S. Chs. 410, 412 $409,690 2.5 LIMITED Property Tax N No Executive Legal Counsel and Representation (City Attorney) Legal advice, representation, ordinance review, contracts, litigation management CAT-2 $165,000 0. LIMITED Property Tax Y Licensed Attorney / Law Firm Required but means of delivery are flexible. Executive (CM-administered)Prosecution Services Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor prosecution in district court CAT-2 $197,700 0. LIMITED Property Tax Y Licensed Attorney / Law Firm Essential component of the municipal public safety and criminal justice system. Service delivery is flexible and may be provided through city staff, contracted legal counsel, or other prosecutorial arrangements. Executive Community Social Service Grant Administration Administer city funds to local nonprofits serving Richfield residents CAT-3 $120,174 Included in CD/HRA HIGH Property Tax Y Other Nonprofit Funders Executive Equity and Inclusion Program Coordination Lead equity, inclusion, and engagement initiatives aligned with Council goals CAT-3 $143,021 1. HIGH Property Tax Y Consortium / Intergovernmental / Contractor City of Richfield, MN · Essential Services Study — Appendix A: Master Service Inventory Page 12 of 33 Finance Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Budget, Payroll, and Reporting Financial management and accounting for all city operations CAT-1 M.S. Ch. 275; M.S. Ch. 412 $688,788 6.5 VERY LIMITED Property Tax and Interfund Allocations Y Contract Out Cost recovery includes inter-dept charges Community Development Planning Long-term systems planning; comprehensive plan compliance CAT-1 M.S. Ch. 462 $432,350 2.2 VERY LIMITED Property Tax (96%), Fees (4%) Y Consultants (overflow only) Budget combined with Zoning ($362,490 total). Community Development Zoning Administer zoning codes; health, safety, and welfare CAT-1 M.S. Ch. 462 See Planning VERY LIMITED General Fund Y Consultants (overflow only) Community Development Building Inspections Permitting and inspections of commercial and residential structures CAT-1 M.S. Ch. 326B $1,005,589 5. VERY LIMITED User Fees (100%) Y Contract / Adjacent City All inspections consolidated under Building Official Community Development Point of Sale Inspections Inspect single- and two-family residential properties prior to sale CAT-3 $154,718 1.5 LIMITED User Fees (100%) Y Consultants / Adjacent City Inspectors 4 FTE is shared: 30% POS / 70% Rental Licensing. Community Development Rental Licensing and Inspections Biennial inspections of all rental properties; IPMC compliance CAT-3 $323,453 2.5 LIMITED User Fees (100%) Y Contract Out 4 FTE is shared: 70% Rental / 30% POS Community Development Ownership Housing Programs Loans and resources for home improvements; affordable homeownership assistance CAT-3 $1,290,592 1.45 HIGH Property Tax (48%), Grants (39%), Other (13%)Y Consultants / Nonprofit Partners Operated by HRA. Program deployment capacity is a constraint. Community Development Rental Housing Programs (Remodeling)Loan program for rental housing rehabilitation CAT-3 $155,676 0.3 HIGH EDA / Property Tax (100%) Y Consultants / Intergovernmental Community Development Local Housing Assistance Shallow rent subsidy for working parents with children in Richfield schools CAT-3 $176,673 0.15 HIGH EDA / Property Tax (100%) Y Consultants / Added Part-Time Staff Community Development Federal/State Rental Housing Assistance (Section 8) HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program; Bring It Home MN rental assistance CAT-3 $3,309,257 2.3 LIMITED Federal Grants (HUD / Section 8) — 100%Y Metro HRA Grant-funded; limited local flexibility. Metro HRA assumption identified as viable alternative. Community Development Business Service Assistance Financial assistance and resource connections for local businesses CAT-3 $397,730 1.2 HIGH EDA / Property Tax (100%) Y Consultants Community Development Redevelopment Facilitate private investment; manage redevelopment projects and TIF districts CAT-3 $2,989,162 2. HIGH TIF / Grants (86%), Property Tax (14%)Y Consultants (higher cost/less control) Budget fluctuates significantly with active TIF projects. RE using consultants- higher cost/less control Public Safety — Police Emergency Management Preparedness for disasters, community events and other emergencies CAT-1 $48,660 Included in Police Operations LIMITED Property Tax N No Public Safety — Police Police Operations Uniformed patrol, response to calls, community policing, investigations, Sergeants, Command staff, administrative support, records, IT technician CAT-2 $12,448,570 57.8 LIMITED Property Tax / Fines and Forfeitures N No Public Safety — Police Environmental Health Public health coordination; largely grant pass-through CAT-2 $1,365,558 6.8 LIMITED Property Tax / Grants Y Contract with another CHB In-house Public Health Give up Community Health Board status, Contract with another CHB such as another muncipality, or create a budget to support internal Public Health requirements. Public Safety — Police Specialty Functions SWAT, K9 CAT-3 Included in Police Operations Included in Police Operations HIGH Property Tax / Grants / Special Revenue Y (Identified — see profile) Public Safety — Police Ancillary Roles Reserve officers, volunteer programs, community outreach roles CAT-3 Included in Police Operations Included in Police Operations HIGH Property Tax Y (Identified — see profile) Fire Emergency Response Emergency fire and rescue CAT-2 $6,396,366 32. LIMITED Property Tax N No 78% of ~5,100 annual calls are medical. Fire Fire Prevention and Inspections Inspection and enforcement of fire code in commercial and residential properties CAT-2 Included in Emergency Response Included in Emergency Response LIMITED Property Tax Y Contract or Re-prioritize Staff Fire EMS Response — Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergency medical first response; BLS only; approximately 78% of annual call volume. Locally chosen service; HCMC holds PSA license for ALS coverage in Richfield. CAT-2 Included in Emergency Response Included in Emergency Response LIMITED Property Tax Y HCMC ALS coverage is parallel alternative Fire Risk Reduction and Education Community fire prevention education and outreach CAT-2 $10,000 Included in Emergency Response LIMITED Property Tax N No Fire Fire Safety, Training, and Standards Internal training, certifications, and standards compliance CAT-2 $235,363 Included in Emergency Response LIMITED Property Tax N No Recreation Organized Hauling (Solid Waste Management) Municipal solid waste management through an organized collection system.CAT-2 M.S. Ch. 115A $104,200 0.79 VERY LIMITED SCORE grants N No Recreation Youth/Family FREE Programs No-cost recreational and enrichment programs for youth and families; equity-focused CAT-3 $119,000 1.29 HIGH Property Tax / Grants N No Recreation Adult Programs FREE (Older Adult)No-cost programs for older adults; social equity and health focus CAT-3 $27,400 0.2 HIGH Property Tax / Grants N No Recreation Community Center Operations and Rentals Operations of the community center facility including building rentals.CAT-3 $511,000 3.38 LIMITED Property Tax / Fees N No Recreation Facility Rentals — Fields Rental of athletic fields for organized leagues and community use CAT-3 $38,000 0.35 LIMITED Property Tax / Fees N No Recreation WLNC Facility Operations & Rentals & Grounds Keeping Operations, maintneance and rentals at Wood Lake Nature Center; 2040 Comp Plan goal CAT-3 $484,000 3. LIMITED Property Tax / Fees N No Recreation Ice Arena Maintenance & Rental Ongoing maintenance and rink rentals at the municipal ice arena CAT-3 $1,292,400 9.05 LIMITED Property Tax / Fees / Special Rev N No Recreation Free School Skate Lessons Free skating instruction provided to Richfield school students CAT-3 $12,000 0.1 HIGH Property Tax / Special Rev N No Recreation Honoring All Veterans Memorial Maintenance and programming related to the All Veterans Memorial CAT-3 $4,300 0.05 LIMITED Property Tax / Donations N No Page 13 of 33 Recreation General Pool Operations Operations of municipal outdoor pool; strong community reliance CAT-3 $512,500 5.39 LIMITED Property Tax / Fees N No Recreation Park Development Planning and development of park capital improvements and new park assets CAT-3 $500,000 0.3 LIMITED Capital Improvement Fund N No Recreation Youth/Family Fee-Based In-House Programs Fee-based recreational programs for youth/families delivered by city staff CAT-3 $37,500 0.2 HIGH Fees / Property Tax N No Recreation Youth/Family Fee-Based Contract Programs Fee-based programs contracted to outside instructors/organizations CAT-3 $45,800 0.2 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Y Private Contract Recreation Adult Fee-Based In-House Programs Fee-based adult enrichment and recreation programs delivered by city staff CAT-3 $53,700 0.4 HIGH Fees / Property Tax N No Recreation Adult Fee-Based Contract Programs Fee-based adult programs contracted to outside providers CAT-3 $72,600 0.2 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Y Private Contract Recreation Adaptive Programming Inclusive recreation programming for residents with disabilities CAT-3 $123,300 0.92 HIGH Property Tax / Grants / Fees N No Recreation Farmers Market Seasonal farmers market hosted by the city CAT-3 $69,000 0.82 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Y Nonprofit/Private Operator Recreation Community Garden Municipal community garden plots available to residents CAT-3 $21,500 0.2 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Y Nonprofit Operator Recreation Special Events City-organized and supported free community special events and concert series CAT-3 $73,900 0.55 HIGH Fees Sponsors/ Grants / Property Tax N No Recreation Facility Rental -- Shelters and Buildings Rentals of park shelters and other park buildings CAT-3 $28,800 0.3 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Winter Warming Houses for Outdoor Rinks Seasonal warming houses at outdoor rinks CAT-3 $17,000 0.23 HIGH Property Tax Recreation Portable toilets Portable toilet facilities in parks CAT-3 $51,700 0.13 HIGH Property Tax Recreation WLNC Public Programs (incl. Summer Camp)Public educational and recreational programs at Wood Lake Nature Center CAT-3 $119,500 0.77 HIGH Fees / Donations / Property Tax Y Nonprofit/Private Recreation WLNC Private Programming Activities and events such as birthday parties, scouts, private groups, Community Education CAT-3 $55,100 0.3 HIGH Fees / Donations / Property Tax Recreation WLNC Paid School Programming School programming on nature and recreation topics CAT-3 $50,700 0.85 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation WLNC RPS Programming School programming on nature and recreation topics CAT-3 $65,000 0.85 HIGH Fees / Donations / Property Tax Recreation WLNC Volunteering Coordinate volunteer support/projects CAT-3 $16,500 0.1 HIGH Donations / Property Tax Recreation WLNC Special Events Fee based special events such as Halloween, New Years Eve CAT-3 $17,986 0.13 HIGH Fees / Donations / Property Tax Recreation Friends of Wood Lake Provide coordination/support and member benefits and discounts on programs for Friends group raising money for the nature center CAT-3 $100,000 0.1 HIGH Donations / Property Tax Recreation Urban Wildland Half/5K Fundraiser to help support RPS school visits CAT-3 $75,000 0.3 HIGH Fees / Donations / Property Tax Y Private/School Contracts Consolidates WLNC Private Programming, Paid School Programming, RPS Programming, Volunteering Recreation HS and Figure Skate Event Ticket Sales Admission sales for high school hockey games, figure skating exhibitions, and similar events CAT-3 $1,500 0.05 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Training Space Rental Rental of ice time, lobby space, party room(s), and building access Traingin space rental to concessionaire CAT-3 $19,000 0.05 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Skate Rentals/Sharpening/Goods Sold Goods for sale to the public during public skate, lessons, school groups, and special events.CAT-3 $5,800 0.1 HIGH Fees / speical rev / Property Tax Recreation Ice Arena Concessions Operation of concession stand CAT-3 $63,250 0.71 HIGH Fees / Special rev / Property Tax Recreation Public Skate and Events Open public skating sessions and themed community skating events CAT-3 $3,000 0.05 HIGH Fees / Special rev / Property Tax Recreation Skating Lessons Paid Group ice skating lessons for youth and adults CAT-3 $3,600 0.05 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Vets Park Taxable Building Rental Building rental to concessionnaire CAT-3 $15,700 0.1 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Pavilion and Bandshell Rentals Rental of Veterans Park facilities CAT-3 $48,620 0.3 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Pool Lane Rental, Meets and public programming Pool rental, Public programming and events at the pool CAT-3 $69,700 1.85 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Pool Concessions Operation of concession stand CAT-3 $81,800 1.01 HIGH Fees / Property Tax Recreation Sustainability Education and Outreach Sustainability Education/Outreach, Organics Drop-offs, Recycling Drop-off Events CAT-3 $51,800 0.2 HIGH Grants/Property Tax/Franchise Fees Y County/Nonprofit Partner Recreation Organics and Recycling Drop-offs Periodic events/opportunities CAT-3 $21,600 0.01 HIGH Property Tax / SCORE Grant Recreation City Program Guide and Program Promotion Production and distribution of seasonal program guide and marketing materials CAT-4 $38,000 0.2 HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contractor Recreation Grant Writing and Management Writing and administering grants for parks/recreation programs and capital projects CAT-4 $44,700 0.6 MODERATE Property Tax / Grants / Franchise Fees N No Page 14 of 33 Recreation Internal Sustainability Initiatives Internal operational sustainability efforts and green initiatives CAT-4 $35,800 0.4 MODERATE Grants / Property Tax / Franchise Fees; approximately $130,000–$150,000 i funded through SCORE grants N No Recreation Department Administration Administrative management, budgeting, and coordination for Recreation Services dept CAT-4 $488,900 1.5 MODERATE Property Tax N No Public Works Street Maintenance Division Pavement management, street signage, forestry, signal lights, streetlights, snow removal, asphalt patching.Varies, see services Varies, see services $3,315,230 13.47 Varies, see services . Property Tax Y/N Contract Public Works Street/Warning Sign/Traffic Signal Repair Repair and maintenance of street signs, warning signs, and traffic signals CAT-1 Federal law; MN MUTCD Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division VERY LIMITED Property Tax N No Estimated Budget $305,200; 2 FTE Public Works Pavement Marking Painting Maintain MUTCD required markings and optional markings for effectiveness CAT-1 Federal law; MN MUTCD Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division VERY LIMITED Property Tax No Estimated Budget $60,000; 2 FTE; utilize contractors in addition to staff. Public Works Public - Private Property Diseased Tree Inspection/Special Assessment Inspection of diseased trees on private property; special assessment process CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax N No Estimated Budget $57,000; 1 assigned Public Works Street Lighting Operation and maintenance of municipal street lighting system CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax / Utility N No Public Works Street Plowing Snow and ice removal from public streets CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $433,000; 26 assigned Public Works Sidewalk Plowing Snow and ice removal from public sidewalks CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $53,000; 4 assigned Public Works Trash/Debris (Dumping) Collection Collection of illegally dumped trash and debris from public spaces CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax / Fees Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $206,400; 2 assigned Public Works Road Repair Routine maintenance and repair of public roadways CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $48,500; 4 assigned Public Works Forestry – Boulevard Tree Maintenance Management and maintenance of boulevard trees on public right-of-way CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $830,000; 5 assigned; utilize contractors in addition to staff ($400k staff time+ $300k vehicle charges + $50k contractor + $80k trees) Public Works Graffiti Removal Removal of graffiti from public property CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax N No Estimated Budget $21,500; 2 assigned Public Works Trail Maintenance Maintenance and repair of city trail system CAT-2 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Included in Road Repair service estimate Public Works Median Plantings Planting, weed removal, woodchip placing in medians on City and County owned roads CAT-3 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $165,000 Public Works Specialized Training Training to up keep various liscensures: Tree Inspectors, Pesticide Applicators, ISA Certification, CDLA CAT-4 Included in Street Maintenance Division Included in Street Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax N No Estimated Budget $25,000; Required licenses support CAT-1 activities; training itself is classified as a CAT-4 enabling function. Public Works GIS Services/Asset Management GIS mapping services and infrastructure asset management CAT-4 Included in all PW Divisions Included in all PW Divisions MODERATE Property Tax Y Shared Services/Contract Estimated Budget $296,000; 2 assignedPersonnel is spread out amongst all divisions in PW; software costs suppored by IT. Public Works Park Maintenance Division Maintain and repair Richfield's 21 park areas that provide space and facilities for leisure activities. Services include maintaining/repairing buildings, play features, turf areas, ballfields, maintenance of trails (including snow removal), trash pick up, courts. Varies, see services $1,799,330 8.67 Varies, see services Property Tax Varies Contract Public Works Park Mowing Mowing of city parks and green spaces CAT-2 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $345,600; 4 assigned+ 2 seasonals. Maintaining public parks in a safe and usable condition. Public Works Paved Court Maintenance Maintenance of paved courts in city parks (basketball, tennis, etc.)CAT-2 Varies Contracted LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Contracted service, varies; included in Park Maintenance Division budget Public Works Park Building Maintenance Maintenance of buildings and structures located in city parks CAT-2 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $126,800; 2 assigned Public Works Play Feature Maintenance Inspection and maintenance of playground equipment and features CAT-2 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division LIMITED Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $101,450; 2 assigned Public Works Field Maintenance Preparation of ballfields for safe play of user groups CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $200,000; 3 assigned+2 seasonals Page 15 of 33 Public Works Irrigation Maintenance Repair and replacement of irrigation parts and timers CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $15,000; 2 assigned Public Works Outdoor Rinks Flooding of outdoor rinks CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Estimated Budget $80,000; 6 assigned Public Works Park Snow Plowing Snow removal on park trails and parking lots CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $42,000; 8 assigned Public Works Ornamental Plantings Installation and maintenance of planting areas of perennials and annual plants in parks CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $12,000; 2 assigned Public Works City Events Support Set up and preparation of pubilc areas for City Events CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $25,000; 8 assigned Public Works Special Projects -- Parks Construction aid of public projects. Mostly grading projects CAT-3 Included in Park Maintenance Division Included in Park Maintenance Division HIGH Property Tax Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $20,000; 4 assigned Public Works Central Garage Division To procure, maintain, repair and replace all motor vehicles, heavy equipment and attachments used by the City. Maintain equipment so that it performs 24/7/365 and be responsive to emergencies. CAT-4 $1,185,780 3 FTE MODERATE Internal Service Fund (Central Garage)Y Private Contract Depreciation of $954,980 is not included in the total amount. Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Maintenance and repair of city fleet vehicles across all departments CAT-4 Included in Central Garage Division Included in Central Garage Division MODERATE Internal Charges (Central Garage)Y Private Contract Estimated Budget $1,185,780; 3 assigned Public Works Vehicle Purchasing Procurement of fleet vehicles for city operations CAT-4 $1,683,000 1.0 FTE MODERATE Property Tax and Internal Charges (Capital)Y State Contract Public Works PW Facility Maintenance Maintenance of Public Works facility and buildings CAT-4 Included in Central Garage Division Included in Central Garage Division MODERATE Property Tax Y Private Contract Contracted facility maintenance* Public Works Engineering Division Provides planning, design, and construction management support for PW operations, construction and maintenace projects. Conducts plan reviews for permits and developments with a focus on protecting the City's interest in the public right-of-way. CAT-1 M.S. Chs. 326, 412 $607,220 6.05 FTE VERY LIMITED Property Tax/Project Funds/Municipal State Aid Y Private Consultant While a licensed engineer is required to undertake some services, the engineer is not required to be a city employee under state statute. With that said, larger cities typically have an in-house city engineer. This includes all staff in the Engineering and overall assumed division services (i.e., capital delivery, etc.) Public Works Permitting Review, administration, and inspection of various ROW permits CAT-2 Included in Engineering Division Included in Engineering Division LIMITED Property Tax N No Estimated Budget $76,000; 2.5 assigned Public Works Redevelopment Review/Inspection Engineering review and inspection of redevelopment projects CAT-2 Included in Engineering Division Included in Engineering Division MODERATE Property Tax / Developer Fees Y Private Consultant Estimated Budget $17,500; 5 FTE +consulting fees. Includes both regulatory review and development-support functions Public Works Traffic Control Committee Transportation planning advisory committee; resident engagement on traffic projects CAT-4 Included in Engineering Division Included in Engineering Division MODERATE Property Tax N No Estimated Budget $5,250; 4 assigned+other department staff time Public Works Water Utility Division Operation and maintenance of municipal water system including treatment; towers and wells, and distribution infrastructure CAT-5B MN Safe Drinking Water Act; EPA rules $4,017,920 10.62 FTE VERY LIMITED Water Enterprise Fund N No Annual Budget is reflecting Personal Services and Other Services & Charges only. Depreciation of $1,366,180, capital outlay of $2,925,000, and other financing uses of $685,120 are not included in the total amount. Public Works Water Sampling/Reporting Water quality sampling and state/federal reporting for municipal water system CAT-5B MN Safe Drinking Water Act; EPA rules Included in Water Utility Division Included in Water Utililty Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $20,100; 1 assigned Public Works Hydrant Repair Inspection, maintenance, and repair of fire hydrants on water system CAT-5B Included in Water Utility Division Included in Water Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $64,200; 2 assigned Public Works Utility Locates — Water 811 locate services for water system infrastructure CAT-5B Included in Water Utility Division Included in Water Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees Y Gopher State One Call Estimated Budget $141,000; 1 assigned Public Works Utility Billing/Meters — Water Meter reading, billing, and account management for water utility customers CAT-5B Included in Water Utility Division Included in Water Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees Y Private Billing Service Water Meters Estimated Budget $57,400; 2 assignedUtility Billing spread over Water, Sewer, & Storm Utility Divisions Public Works Wastewater Utility Division Operation and maintenance of the municipal sanitary sewer collection system CAT-5B $1,959,490 8.62 FTE VERY LIMITED Wastewater Enterprise Fund N No Annual Budget is reflecting Personal Services and Other Services & Charges only. MCES Charges of $2,629,750, depreciation of $298,770, capital outlay of $1,075,000, and other financing uses of $93,330 are not included in the total amount. Public Works Utility Locates — Sewer 811 locate services for sanitary sewer infrastructure CAT-5B See Water Utility Locates See Water Utility Locates VERY LIMITED Utility Fees Y Gopher State One Call Combined with Water utility locates Public Works Sewer Service Inspections Inspection of sewer service lines; compliance with Met Council requirements CAT-5B Included in Wastewater Division Included in Wastewater Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees Y Private Contractor Estimated Budget $5,500; 1 assigned Public Works Utility Billing — Sewer Billing and account management for sewer utility customers CAT-5B Included in Wastewater Division Included in Wastewater Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees Y Private Billing Service Estimated Budget $239,800; 3 assigned, spread over Water, Sewer, & Storm Utility Divisions Page 16 of 33 Public Works Storm Utility Division Operation and maintenance of stormwater collection infrastructure including street sweeping; state/federal mandate CAT-1 Federal NPDES; MN stormwater permit $1,418,960 2.07 FTE VERY LIMITED Stormwater Enterprise Fund N No Annual Budget is reflecting Personal Services and Other Services & Charges only. Depreciation of $827,470, capital outlay of $525,000, and other financing uses of $699,830 are not included in the total amount. Public Works Grit Chamber/CB/Sump Cleaning Cleaning of stormwater grit chambers, catch basins, and sumps; state/federal mandate CAT-1 Federal NPDES; MN stormwater permit Included in Storm Utility Division Included in Storm Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $4,200; 2 assigned Public Works Stormwater Facility Operation (Taft Flocc/Vets Infiltration)Operation of stormwater treatment facilities; state/federal mandate CAT-1 Federal NPDES; MN stormwater permit Included in Storm Utility Division Included in Storm Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $35,000; 3 assigned Public Works Stormwater Pond Maintenance Maintenance of stormwater ponds; state/federal mandate CAT-1 Federal NPDES; MN stormwater permit $350,000 Contracted VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Biannual dredging estimate* Public Works Utility Locates — Stormwater 811 locate services for stormwater infrastructure; required to prevent injury CAT-1 Federal NPDES; MN stormwater permit See Water Utility Locates See Water Utility Locates VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Combined with Water utility locates Public Works Stormwater Regulatory Compliance NPDES MS4 permit compliance, reporting, and regulatory management CAT-1 Federal NPDES; MN Pollution Control Agency Included in Storm Utility Division Included in Storm Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $87,500; 1 assigned Public Works Administer Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization Administration of the Richfield-Bloomington WMO as required by state law CAT-1 M.S. Ch. 103B.211 Included in Storm Utility Division Included in Storm Utility Division VERY LIMITED Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $18,750; 1 assigned Public Works Water Quality Monitoring Ongoing water quality monitoring for stormwater system management CAT-4 Included in Storm Utility Division Included in Storm Utility Division MODERATE Utility Fees N No Estimated Budget $76,400; 2 assigned+consultant services Public Works Public Works Administration Division Administrative management, budgeting, and coordination for Public Works Dept CAT-4 $227,560 2. LIMITED Property Tax N No Public Works Customer Service/Request for Information Resident inquiries, service requests, and public data access per MN Data Practices Act CAT-4 Included in PW Adminstration Division Included in PW Administration Division MODERATE Property Tax N No Public Works Staff Report Creation/Submission Preparation and submission of staff reports to City Council and administration CAT-4 Included in PW Adminstration Division Included in PW Adminstration Division MODERATE Property Tax N No Category Key CAT-1 Statutory / Mandated — required by law; legal penalties if not provided CAT-2 Core Services — locally deemed essential; elimination would create an immediate crisis CAT-3 Discretionary / Enhanced — optional; enhances quality of life CAT-4 Support / Enabling — internal operations that enable other services CAT-5A Profit Enterprise — operated for profit; net revenue subsidizes other operations CAT-5B Self-Sustaining Utility — break-even; full cost recovery through rates Page 17 of 33 RICHFIELD ESSENTIAL SERVICES STUDY A Framework for Understanding Services A Foundation for Future Decision-Making City Council Work Session June 23, 2026 Rapp Consulting Group Craig Rapp, President Page 18 of 33 WHY WE ARE HERE A common language for City services Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 1 “Of everything Richfield does, what is the nature of each service —legally required, essential to the community, discretionary, or supporting —and what resources does each represent?” Classify every service consistently. Attach resources and delivery options. Establish a service classification system. Page 19 of 33 THE CONTEXT Why now Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 2 Built out A fully developed, inner-ring suburb with limited options to grow the tax base. Aging at once Infrastructure, housing stock, and systems are aging simultaneously, driving multi-year pressure on the property-tax levy. A Council mandate Strategic Initiative in the 2023– 2026 Strategic Plan: “Establish essential service delivery plan by 2026.” Page 20 of 33 SCOPE What this study is —and is not Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 3 IT IS •A consistent classification of every City service •A mapping of the FTEs, budget, and funding •An identification of alternative delivery options IT IS NOT •A ranking of importance or value of a service •A recommendation to eliminate or cut a service •A set of decisions —that belongs to the Council The classifications describe each service's nature —not its importance. Page 21 of 33 OUR APPROACH A team effort, across every department Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 4 The RCG team —consultants with years of municipal experience: Craig Rapp —Principal —framework design & integration Craig Waldron —Planning, zoning, inspections, housing, redevelopment Jay Lotthammer —Streets, parks, utilities, recreation, facilities Scot Simpson —Administration, finance, elections, HR, IT, liquor Hugo McPhee —Police, specialty functions, fire & emergency response Three stages of review 1 Document review Municipal code, state & federal statutes, the 2026 budget, and org charts —an independent check on legal mandate. 2 Service inventory Departments documented each service: description, budget, FTEs, funding, classifications, alternatives. 3 Structured interviews Department heads and key staff across all departments, with every borderline call peer-reviewed by the team. Page 22 of 33 Thank You -Department Heads & Staff This study was created with the City's department staff, not in opposition to them. They collaborated with us AND challenged us —correcting and redirecting our thinking more than once. The classifications are more accurate, and more defensible, because of it. Page 23 of 33 THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Seven categories, defined by purpose Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 5 Code Category What defines it If the City stops providing it… CAT-1 Statutory / Mandated Required by federal or state law Legal or regulatory non-compliance CAT-2 Core Services Essential community service residents expect Core functions fail; expectations disrupted CAT-3 Discretionary / Enhanced Enhances quality of life Service levels decline, operations continue CAT-4 Support / Enabling Internal function that enables other services Support affected; public services continue CAT-5A Profit Enterprise Business-type; generates net revenue Distinguished by revenue model CAT-5B Self-Sustaining Utility Rate-funded, break-even Distinguished by funding structure CAT -5C Revenue-Generating Regulatory Above-cost fees —none in Richfield today Loss of fee / franchise revenue Each service classified as the City organizes, budgets, and delivers it —keeping a direct link to the inventory, staffing, and budgets. Page 24 of 33 DISTINCTION 1 Legally required is not the same as essential Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 6 A service can be essential to the community without being legally required —and the two answer different questions. CAT -1 · Legally Required Exists to satisfy a federal or state legal obligation. Elections · City Clerk · Records · Finance · Planning · Zoning · Building Inspections. CAT -2 · Essential Core services residents expect —not primarily a legal mandate. Police · Fire · EMS · Prosecution · Streets · Snow & ice. Police & Fire are essential —but not legally mandated. CAT -1 means a federal or state mandate —not a local ordinance, and not a service that simply feels required. Page 25 of 33 DISTINCTION 2 Regulation is not the same as a mandate Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 7 A service can be heavily regulated without being required. The rules that govern how a service runs do not make the service mandatory. The pool, for example State law requires certified lifeguards if the City operates a pool — but it does not require the City to operate a pool. So those regulations don't make the pool a legal mandate. Regulated —but not required •Pool operations •Ice arena concessions •Food-manager certifications •Employee training requirements Heavily governed by rules —none legally mandated Page 26 of 33 The Test: “What happens if the City stops providing this?” Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 8 One question, asked of every service, sorted them consistently: CAT -1 Legal or regulatory non-compliance CAT -2 Core functions fail; community expectations significantly disrupted CAT -3 Service levels decline —but operations continue CAT -4 Internal support is affected; public services largely continue CAT -5 Still important, but defined by its funding or revenue model Page 27 of 33 LET'S CLASSIFY ONE TOGETHER Worked example: the outdoor pool Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 9 1 Is it required by federal or state law? No —the State regulates pools, but doesn't require the City to run one.Not CAT-1 2 Would closing it cause a public-safety or health crisis within 30 days? No —residents would be disappointed, but there's no immediate crisis.Not CAT-2 3 Does it run as a self-supporting business or utility? No —it's subsidized, not a break-even or profit operation.Not CAT-5 Result CAT-3 Discretionary —a valued service the Council chooses to provide. The method used in all 152 classifications —notice: CAT-3 says nothing about how much the pool matters to the community. Page 28 of 33 THE RESULTS Richfield's services, by Classification Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 10 152 services · 8 departments · 7 categories CAT-1 20 (13%) CAT-2 25 (16%) CAT-3 66 (43%) CAT-4 31 (20%) CAT-5A 1 (1%) CAT-5B 9 (6%) CAT-5C (Revenue-Generating Regulatory): none classified in Richfield. What it reveals: •Most services (CAT-3, 43%) are discretionary or enhancement —the broadest area of Council choice •Only ~13% are legally mandated (CAT- 1); core services like Police and Fire are essential (CAT-2), not mandates •This describes the nature of each service —not its importance Page 29 of 33 THE RESULTS — COUNT vs. COST Tax-supported services: count vs. cost CAT-1–CAT-4 only; enterprise (CAT-5) excluded. Shares are approximate — primarily of the tax-supported total (142 services). Share of services Share of budget (approx.) CAT-1 14% · 20 svcs 11% CAT-2 18% · 25 svcs 43% CAT-3 46% · 66 svcs 29% CAT-4 22% · 31 svcs 17% Same categories, very different by count and cost: CAT-3 is ~46% of services but ~29% of the budget; CAT-2 is ~18% of services but ~43%. Budget shares are close approximations of General Fund service totals, with small amounts from other funding sources; to be confirmed against the 2026 Adopted Budget. Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 11 Page 30 of 33 THE TOOL Reading the inventory: Appendix A Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 12 Color = classification. Each row also carries the service's budget, FTEs, funding source, alternative-delivery potential, and rationale —the resources behind every classified service. Page 31 of 33 BEYOND THE STUDY The foundation it creates Richfield Essential Services Study · Rapp Consulting Group 13 The classification is built to be used —a shared starting point for the productive discussions and analysis Resource & net-cost analysis Understand what each service truly costs, net of the revenue and fees it generates. Alternative-delivery evaluation Weigh shared services, contracts, or regional options where the study flagged them. Performance & service levels Set goals and metrics so service decisions rest on evidence, not impressions. Capital & budget integration Use the inventory at each budget kickoff and in capital lifecycle planning. Page 32 of 33 WHAT COMES NEXT A Classification Study Today A Foundation for Planning and Decisions tomorrow. Remember: “Discretionary” does not mean “unimportant.” Classifications describe the nature of a service —not its value. Rapp Consulting Group · June 23, 2026 THE PATH FORWARD June 23 — today: the classification framework and the service inventory. September 22: the full report, with a deeper review of budget flexibility, resource implications, and alternative service delivery. Page 33 of 33