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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.b. Minutes of the December 1, 2008 City Council 2009 Budget Public HearingROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL 2009 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 1, 2008 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the 2009 Budget Public Hearing was held on December 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2875 145 Street West, Rosemount. Mayor Droste called the meeting to order with Council Members DeBettignies and Sterner in attendance. Council Member Shoe Corrigan was absent. Staff members present included Finance Director May, City Administrator Johnson, Communications Coordinator Cox and City Clerk Domeier. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. 2009 BUDGET AND LEVY PRESENTATION Finance Director May stated the meeting was being held to comply with the Truth -in- Taxation requirements that call for the City to hold a special budget hearing for the public that allows residents to speak on the 2009 budgets and levies. He added that technically the hearing was not required because of the small increase in the overall levy but that the City Council and staff felt that the hearing should still be held for the benefit of the citizens. He explained the process for the public hearing and adopting the budget. If the public hearing was not closed it would be continued to Monday, December 8. Mr. May used a power point presentation to explain the budget schedule, tax capacity rates, operating budget and other funding requirements that were included in the proposed 2009 budget and levies. Council Member Sterner stated the City debt was fairly constant over the years and questioned if it would go down over the next five to 10 years. Mr. May explained the different types of City debt noting that the overall debt actually went down in the past few years. Mayor Droste questioned the City's insurance. Mr. May stated that the City receives its insurance through the league and that the rates are exceptional because of the pooled group. Mayor Droste also questioned the debt on the Armory. Mr. May explained the debt involved with the facility. He stated that part of the debt on the Armory will be paid off in 2009 and the rest of the debt will be levied until 2018. Mayor Droste questioned the projected growth. Mr. May stated that it was anticipated that the Met Council would project growth between 2.9 and 3.1% for next year. Mayor Droste questioned the operating budget increase for fleet maintenance. Mr. May responded that the 14.31% increase was attributable to the fuel cots for the City's fleet. He stated that staff anticipated an increase in the cost of fuel and noted that there may be savings however there was no guarantee the gas and diesel would stay at the current prices. Council Member DeBettignies stated that the City Council worked very hard with staff to tighten our belts to prepare for these tough economic times. He added that the City was fortunate to plan without having to eliminate any of the services offered in the past. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Droste opened the Public Hearing. ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL 2009 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 1, 2008 Paul Scarpari, 12700 Dodd Boulevard, Rosemount, questioned the 10% increase to his property taxes. He also questioned why his taxes continue to rise when the newspapers and City staff claim there is a decrease. Mr. Scarpari also expressed concerns with the City's watering and fertilizing of parks and the types of trucks used by the Public Works Department. Mr. May explained that the amount a resident pays in taxes is based solely on the value of their home. The County determines the value of all homes. He stated reasons for an increase could be caused by any changes made to the home. He further stated that another reason for a larger increase could be because of the cap that was in place for the limited market value rule. Mr. May continued to explain that the home values for 2010 will be sent to property owner is March. Information on how to appeal the proposed value is provided on the post card. Mr. May stated that he would contact the County Assessor to find out the reason for the increase on Mr. Scarpari's property and reiterated that the City does not set the home values. Kathy Trimble, 4091 143` Street West, Rosemount, stated that she owns three lots in Harmony Village and that based upon information received tonight realized she should have paid attention to the post card sent in March. Ms. Trimble explained that the taxes on the lots increased by 43.9 She questioned the tax increment tax. Mr. May stated that the lots are part of the Downtown /Brockway TIF District. He explained that the total amount of the tax bill would be the same whether or not the lots were in a TIF district but that the difference is how the taxes are proportioned. Motion by Droste Second by Second Motion to close the Public Hearing. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0. Absent: Shoe Corrigan. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Droste, second by 7:35, the meeting was adjourned at Respectfully Submitted, Amy Domeier, City Clerk