4.3 SR 02-12-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4kiiver TO: _ity FROM: '41 DATE ITEM 4.3. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL PAT KLAERS, CITY ADMINISTRATOR FEBRUARY 12, 1993 SUBJECT: URBAN/RURAL TAXING DISTRICTS At the last City Council meeting on 2/8/93, the Finance Director updated the City Council on a recent development relating to the City urban and rural taxing districts. Lori indicated that earlier on 2/8/93, she had been advised by the County that the rural taxing district (for the first time) exceeds the urban taxing district in terms of its tax rate. As this is contrary to the goals of the consolidation agreement, Lori expressed some concerns to the County Auditors department and discussed possible amendments with the City Council. The Council gave staff direction to proceed with making amendments as necessary. During the past week, a number of issues have surfaced regarding this topic. First, the County said it could not accommodate the City if the City held a public hearing to change the tax rates or formula on March 22, 1993. The County had to get the tax statements prepared prior to that date and the City could not hold a public hearing earlier than that date due to the thirty day notice requirement. Secondly, the Department of Revenue indicated on 2/11/93 that it would not allow the City to change the taxing district ratio as it had to be changed before August 1 to be effective for taxes payable in 1993 according to Statute 272. Therefore, the County not being able to accommodate the City is a moot point based on this Thursday, 2/11/93 discussion with State representatives. During discussions with the Department of Revenue, Lori discovered that an October, 1992, directive issued by the Department relating to the calculation of urban/rural tax rates had not been used when the County calculated the rates. After correctly calculating the rates, the rural rate is lower than the urban rate. However, the rate is now lower than it should be and will need to be adjusted for taxes payable in 1994. As the situation now stands, people in the rural taxing districts will receive a lower tax statement than originally anticipated. However, as the City will review this situation in the summer of 1993, these same taxpayers will most likely see a jump in their tax rate in 1994 in order to bring the urban and rural rates closer together which is in line with the intent of the consolidation agreement. In the final analysis nothing can be done at this time to change the tax rates for taxes payable in 1993. This issue is somewhat difficult to describe on paper and Lori will be at the meeting to provide the Council with an update and answer questions. 720 Dodge Avenue N.W., Elk River, Minnesota 55330 (612) 441-7420