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City Council Minutes Page 3 <br /> December 1,2014 <br /> Revenue's website for residents to determine if they qualify for any state tax relief <br /> program funds. He concluded that the council may adopt the 2015 tax levy and <br /> budget following public input and comments. <br /> Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. <br /> Bob Hillman, 10712 - 184th Ave NW, stated he felt the city is on the wrong track <br /> and disagreed with how the council made decisions regarding the budget process. He <br /> stated he moved to Elk River 10 years ago from Lakeville and compared his property <br /> value with that of home values in Lakeville. He stated he felt taxes were too high for <br /> what the city had to offer its residents. <br /> Mark Grimmer, 20446 Victoria Lane NW, stated he purchased the former Adams <br /> Interior commercial building located at 720 4"' Street in June 2014 and he saw a <br /> 46.5%increase in his building's property value. He stated the property value went <br /> from$109,000 in 2013 to $161,500 in 2014. He stated he contacted the county <br /> assessor that day and was waiting to hear back from them. <br /> Mr. Simon stated Mr. Grimmer should speak to Dan Weber, County Assessor and <br /> would assist Mr. Grimmer with getting his questions answered by the county. <br /> Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated he felt Mr. Simon explained very well the past five <br /> months of Council discussions regarding the 2015 budget. He stated to those <br /> property owners who spoke during the public comment that property valuation lies <br /> outside of council control. He explained how property owners can attend the Board <br /> of Appeals meeting to discuss property value discrepencies. Councilmember <br /> Westgaard also stated the council made a conscious effort to increase the budget <br /> with thoughtful additions such as the drug task force addition. <br /> Councilmember Motin reiterated how property owners can verify their property <br /> values by talking to the county. <br /> Mr. Hillman stated council misunderstood his comments. <br /> Councilmember Motin asked what should be removed from the budget in order to <br /> decrease the levy and stated Mr. Hillman was comparing two different counties <br /> which may contain more commercial/*industrial tax-based properties, and which can <br /> potentially lower property owner's tax rates. <br /> Mr. Hillman asked why the city hasn't grown its commercial and industrial tax base <br /> during the past 10 years and stated he felt the city overspent funds for what we have <br /> to show for it. <br /> Councilmember Wilson stated he would support the budget and felt the two <br /> personnel expense positions were good additions. <br /> P O w E R E U 9 1 <br /> 1`4 f U <br />