7.0. SR 11-23-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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B SECTION www~une.~om/me~.o ' Star?ibune Sunday NOVEMBER 15, 1998 Truth in Taxation hearings have bccn fairly . quiet in recent years, but taxpayers and. government officials still show support for the nearly decade-old system. Yearly tax notices stir just'a whisper By JeffTey W. Peters and David Peterson Star Tribune Staff Writers In the deafening silence that often dominates annual Truth in Taxation hearings, local offi- cials hear a roar of approval. Attendance at the meetings that school districts, cities and counties will hold early next month to discuss proposed budgets and tax rates is almost uniformly sparse. But there ap- pears to be equally meager en- thusiasm for abandoning the nearly decade-old process. Instead, taxpayers and local leaders alike see the system of notices and meetings as a valu- able opportunity to involve peo- pie in government decisions. "It's a good thing. Everyone has the right to know what to expect in taxes, and not just get billed," said Chris Reed, an un- employed engineer who lives in Cottage Grove. "I've got a feel- ing that if it went away, taxes might run amok." Many public officials credit a general satisfaction with ser- vices and tax levels for the lack of participation in recent years. "If people have an opportu- nity, they vote with their legs," said outgoing Eagan Mayor Tom Egan. Turn to PROPERTY TAX on B8 Also on B& -- Property tax facts. Key facts Truth in Taxation What is it? Every property owner in Minnesota receives a statement of proposed taxes between Nov. 10 and Nov. 24 each year -- a mailing man- dated by the Legislature in 1990. The specific calculations on each taxpayer's notice eliminate the confusion that often resulted from Minneso- ta's complicated tax system and multiple taxing agencies. Depending on which school district a taxpayer lives in, for instance, the proposed pay- able 1999 taxes on a $115,000 Bloomington home range from $1,542 to $1,697. What if l rent? Landlords must · post their notices in the rental property. What if I have something to say? In addition to the notices mailed by county officials, all counties, school districts and cities with more than 500 resi- dents must hold hearings be- tween Nov. 29 and Dec. 20. The meetings must be sched- uled so property owners can attend all meetings that apply to their home or business. At the hearings, agencies typical- ly re~4ew their proposed bud- gets and tax levies for the coming year and invite citizen comment. :~ How can I be effective? Public officials and taxpayer advo- cates offer these tips: Do your homework. Call elected officials and ask about the cur- rent budget and past trends. Ask about the impact of state aid or property tax reform on your taxes. Make choices. Consider what programs and services are most important to you. If you think spending is too high, suggest where cuts could be made. Look to the future. Truth in Tax- ation hearings come late in the budget process. It may be too' late for dramatic changes in the 1999 budget, but you can influence next year's spending plan. Get involved earlier. The best time to influence tax and spending plans is at the begin- ning of the budget process, in the spring and early summer. That's when department heads describe their plans for the next year and seek funding. For more information >~ The Minnesota Department of Revenue: 651-296-3781, http://www, taxes.state.mn.us ~- The Minnesota Taxpayers Asso- clarion: 651-224-7477, http://~vw.mntax.org