12-04-2006 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City COWlcil Minutes December 4, 2006 Page 2 MOTION CARRIED 5-0. . 4. Open Mike Noone appeared for Open Mike. 5.0. Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Mayor Klinzing explained that the purpose of the 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 the Sherburne County Assessor's Office. Ms. Johnson briefly outlined the process of the Truth in Taxation Hearing. The Council viewed a video titled "Fourteen Reasons Why Your Property Taxes Go Up and Down." City Administrator Lori Johnson stated that the Council approved the maximum tax levy of $9,757,057 in September. Ms. Johnson reviewed the tax levy by use and compared the levy with previous years. She also reviewed property tax changes and explained that a number of factors playa role in determining the property tax amount. Ms. Johnson reviewed general fund revenues and expenditures. Ms. Johnson stated that the 2007 budget includes the following new positions: part-time fire/building maintenance office assistant, part-time park maintenance worker, part-time senior center office assistant, building maintenance worker, and one full-time and two part-time street maintenance workers. She noted that the budget also includes the recreation administrative coordinator position that was part-time made full-time in 2006. . Ms. Johnson reviewed the special revenue funds and enterprise funds. She stated that the enterprise funds are self-supportive and not supported by tax dollars. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. Mayor Klinzing announced that the levy and budget final approval will take place on Monday, December 18, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Motin questioned how valuation affects net tax capacity. He stated that he has been informed that several commercial values were increased quite substantially after the Board of Review and Equalization meeting and questioned what the appeal process is in this case. He would like clarification prior to the December 18 meeting. Ms. Johnson indicated that she will research and get back to the Council prior to the meeting on December 18. 5.1. Discuss Part-Time Recreation Assistant Position in 2007 Budget Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz indicated that the promotion of one of the part- time recreation assistants to a full-time recreation administrative coordinator created a 24 hour per week deficit in the recreation assistant position. Mr. Maertz stated that the recreation assistants are the primary customer service contact at Lions Park Center answering phones and handling a majority of the registrations. .