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City Council Minutes <br />December 1, 2014 <br />Page 3 <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 e 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 discrepancies. 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 />rnw�R�Q er <br />ATURE <br />