12-03-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes December 3, 2007 Page 3 Ms. Johnson reviewed general fund revenues and expenditures. Ms. Johnson stated that the 2008 budget includes the following new positions: code enforcement officer for the building department; I.T. support specialist; patrol officer; and Energy City coordinator. Mr. Simon reviewed the special revenue funds and enterprise funds. He stated that the enterprise funds are self-supportive and not supported by tax dollars. He explained the addition of one new position in 2008 for a liquor clerk. He concluded that the council will adopt the 2008 tax levy and budget at the next regular city council meeting on December 17, 2007. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. Mayor Klinzing announced the levy and budget final approval and certification will take place on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Johnson discussed the Elk River Area Arts Alliance's request from the council for funds at the last meeting. She stated the City of Otsego recently made a contribution for $2,500.00 after being asked fox $5,000.00. The city has $10,000 in the 2008 budget; the Arts Alliance has asked for $15,000.00. She asked if the council was ready to decide how much to contribute for 2008. Councilmember Gumphrey requested this item be discussed at the next council Worksession. The rest of the council concurred • Ms. Johnson also stated she'll soon have figures available for the council on the recently approved employee benefits contribution. Councilmember Motin asked Ms. Johnson if they would be making any budget amendments to the 2008 community development budget due to the vacated community development position. Ms. Johnson stated they will return on December 17~ with a list of several changes, including this position, which could be adjusted and could offset the benefit increase. Mayor Klinzing re-opened open mike. Mark Claessens, 20925 Olson Street -requested the council question the county and their assessing techniques, wondering why as property values decrease, taxes are still going up. He stated he is a real estate agent and has property owners, some who came with him that evening, who have their taxes increased because their assessed value increases, but when they sell their property, they are losing money, due in large part to the slow real estate market. Ms. Johnson explained that many property tax values in Elk River had not increased in 2007 and some townhomes had decreased in value. She noted the properties that increased in value had land and not building increases. Mayor Klinzing closed open mike. 6.1. Consider HRA and Library Appointments