12-06-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council ivIinutes December 6, 2004 Page 13 Thomas Kaempffer, Parish Business Administrator of the Church of St. Andrew - Thanked the City Council for hearing the church's request. Mr. Kaempffer reviewed the proposed expansion areas. Ms. Johnson stated that with City Council approval, staff will work with the city's Bond Counsel to review this request to determine the project's eligibility and that if the project is deemed to be eligible, this issue will be brought back to the Council for formal authorization to issue the bonds. Ms. Johnson indicated that since the city does not anticipate issuing in excess of $10 million of debt in 2005, this does not jeopardize the city's bank qualified status. She stated that the city has only exceeded $10 million once. Ms. Johnson noted that the Church of St. Andrew would be responsible for paying additional interest costs incurred by the city if the city exceeds $10 million of debt. The church will also be required to pay all of the city's costs for issuing the bond. It was the consensus of the Council for staff to proceed with the bond issuance process for the Church of St. Andrew. 7. Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Mayor Klinzing eXplained that the purpose of this Truth in Taxation hearing is to discuss the general city budget and general tax information and that it is not a time to discuss individual property values and taxes. She stated that if individuals have questions or concerns regarding their property values, they should attend the Board of Review meeting in the spring or contact Sherburne County. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that notice of the Truth in Taxation hearing was published in the Star News, in the city's newsletter, on the city's website, cable channel 12, and the county mailed individual notices out to property owners. NIt. Klaers then summarized the budget process. Finance and Administrative Services Director Lori Johnson stated that the Council approved the maximum tax levy of $7,623,985. Ms. Johnson reviewed a breakdown of how the funds will be used. Ms. Johnson compared the tax levy amount from 2003 through 2005 and stated that the debt amounts have remained fairly consistent. She indicated that the city tax rate is decreasing slightly but that the actual number will change depending on Net Tax Capacity adjustments made by the county. Mr. Klaers reviewed general fund revenues and general fund expenditures. Mr. Klaers noted that it would be appropriate to compare the 2005 budget to the 2003 approved budget prior to LGA cuts. Mr. Klaers stated that the city is looking at adding seven full-time and two part-time positions to the 2005 budget. He stated that this year is an opportunity for departments to "catch up" from the cuts made in 2003. Ms. Johnson reviewed the special revenue funds and enterprise funds. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.