HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.b. Minutes of December 4, 2000 Special Meeting for Truth in Taxation Public HearingITE
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ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2000
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a special meeting of the Rosemount City Council was
duly held on Monday, December 4, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
2875 145th Street West.
Mayor Busho called the meeting to order with Councilmembers Klassen, Caspar, and Edwards.
Councilmember Cisewski was absent. Also in attendance were City Administrator Burt,
Community Development Director Parsons, Parks & Recreation Director Schultz, Police Chief
Kalstabakken, and Finance Director May.
Mayor Busho welcomed everyone. Busho noted the informational brochure for residents that
explains budget expenditures and services. All city departments were represented for clarification
questions. City Administrator Burt will give an overview, and then the public hearing will be
open for audience input. Comments are welcome.
City Administrator Burt presented the 2001 operating budget for the City of Rosemount. Burt
displayed a Dakota County Proposed Tax Statement explaining various numbers. Many residents
will see increases in their market value of their home. This is established by Dakota County and
discussion on that will not be held at the city level. Residents with concerns for their market
value need to contact the Dakota County Auditor's Office.
Burt explained that the tax capacity has changed over the past five years due to a shift made by
the Minnesota Legislature. Shifted tax capacity rates have changed where the tax dollars are
being spent between the City, County, School District, and Special Districts This shift put a
larger burden on the single family homes. Rosemount's tax capacity is going down. The steady
growth of about 300 people per gear, plus several new commercial businesses has kept the
increase in taxes very low.
Keith Bester, 1697 145 Street East, asked about the affect that the proposed University
development would have on city taxes. City Administrator Burt explained that the taxes coming
from those leasing land from the University was very small, probably under $2,000. Much of the
University land is in Empire, not Rosemount. Councilmember Edwards noted that the city has
very little control over the University property because it is a Land Grant University which does
not have to follow city or state rules. Councilmember Caspar noted that the University is the top
agricultural university in the country and it wants to use this land resource in Rosemount to
further agricultural interests. It does not plan to have its land reclaimed by the City of
Rosemount.
Steve Folly, 15677 Crystal Path, asked why the city portion of the taxes are the highest for a city
in Dakota County. City Administrator Burt noted that the City of Rosemount follows Hastings as
the second highest city portion of taxes. Rosemount has not levied to their full capacity as other
cities have. Rosemount has been keeping within the market growth and has currently added
more commercial. The residential growth requires added services such as police, snow plowing,
added utilities and streets, and parks. So, expenses are up until commercial growth can catch up.
ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2000
Councilmember Edwards asked City Administrator Burt to make a comparison to land locked
cities versus growing cities. Burt noted that once a city has developed all their land, the taxes
level off and it is very hard to get additional funds. Some cities such as Bloomington have
decided not to plow snow at two inches (which Rosemount does), but wait until there are three or
four inches of snow. Minneapolis has chosen not to cut grass in all the parks as before to save tax
money. People expect more services, not less. However, they don't wish to pay more in taxes.
Councilmember Edwards explained that City Council has had work session retreats to determine
mission statements on how to help Rosemount grow, govern and keep its quality of life in
balance. It is a struggle to keep taxes low and provide services that people expect.
Finance Director May noted that the total taxes that Rosemount residents pay (City + County +
School District) is 396' in the metro - county area. Rosemount is one of the largest land area cities,
with 36 square miles. The city portion is high now, but the slow steady growth has kept us at a
reasonable tax capacity rate.
Mayor Busho has talked to many new residents. They want the growth stopped in Rosemount
because they like it the way it is. But, they want to be able to have close retail/commercial areas
and jobs. This balance (if possible) is very hard to maintain within the budget. Busho
complimented staff on the great job they have done on keeping expenses down.
City Administrator Burt said that Metropolitan Council has held back development with the
sewer availability. And with the large land ownership of Koch Refining and the University of
Minnesota Rosemount has been able to keep development slow.
MOTION by Edwards to close the public hearing on the 2001 Budget and Levy Presentation and
Truth in Taxation Hearing. Second by Caspar. Ayes: Klassen, Busho, Caspar, Edwards. Nays:
None. Motion carried.
Since the public hearing was closed and the public was given ample opportunity to speak, the
meeting will not have to be continued to December 11th as arranged. The actual 2001 budget will
be presented for City Council approval at its December 5th , 2000, regular City Council meeting.
Mayor Busho adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Jentink, City Clerk
The City Council Agenda Packet ig Clerk's File 2000 -44.
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