HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 30, 1994OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 30, 1994
The Truth In Taxation Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant.
1. ROLL CALL
Jolly, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present
Councilmember Nawrocki arrived at the hearing at 7:25 p.m.
2. PURPOSE OF MEETING
To consider adoption of the 1995 budget and establish tax
levies.
3. PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
City Manager Hentges reviewed the calendar for the budget
preparation. The last day to certify the levy to Anoka County
is December 28, 1994. The tentative date to adopt the 1995
budget is December 12, 1994.
The City Manager addressed the factors affecting the proposed
City preliminary tax increase. The five factors are as
follows:
1. The City now proposes to reduce by $33,466 the preliminary
tax levy.
2. The City proposes to hold the levy increase to $25,000 over
that which was levied in 1994.
3. The City will receive a $31,391 reduction in area-wide tax
(fiscal disparity). The net result will be a corresponding
increase to the local share of the property tax bill.
4. Commercial and industrial values decreased slightly, thus
shifting a greater burden on residential values.
5. Some residential property values increased thus those
owner's statements will reflect significantly higher tax
increases. Overall the property values remain stable.
The City Manager's presentation included an overview of the
1995 proposed budget including revenue sources, average tax
base and the market value composition of the tax base. He
addressed budget issues which resulted in recommended
revisions to the proposed budget as made by himself and staff.
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NOVEMBER 30, 1994
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With the use of graphs and charts, a comparison of 1995 to
1994 expenditures and revenues was done. The impact of a
$25,000 increase in the tax levy on properties having the same
value as in the previous year was reviewed.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions were drafted to set the tax levy collectable for
1995 and to adopt the budget for 1995
The City Manager advised that the budget cannot be adopted at
a Truth in Taxation Hearing or at the Continued Hearing.
OUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Some LaBelle Condo owners stated their tax statements
reflected a difference in the taxes on their garage spaces
which are all identical. They questioned this disparity.
The City Manager will contact the County Assessor regarding
this matter and pass the explaination received onto LaBelle
residents.
A similar situation regarding garage space was expressed on
behalf of University Heights property owners. They also
receive two tax statements, one for the living space and
another for the garage space. Their concern focused on being
taxed as two separate entities when the garage space is
attached to the living space. There was also a disparity among
the tax amount for garage space although they are all
identical.
The City Manager will pursue an explanation for this situation
from the County Assessor.
A Sullivan Shores property owner felt she should be given a
credit for that portion of property tax used for street
maintenance. She noted that the Sullivan Shores development
has private streets which are maintained and cared for by the
Association. All costs for this work comes from Association
fees.
Examples were cited of circumstances where property owners pay
taxes to support activities from which they receive no direct
nor indirect benefit. Some of the examples included the School
District for people who have no children, the public
transportation subsidy for people who never use the bus and
recreational opportunities not accessed by everyone.
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 30, 1994
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She was advised property taxes are used on streets located
outside of the development which she frequently uses.
Residents were advised that the appropriate place to discuss
their property values is at the City's Board of Review Hearing
which is traditionally held in the spring. Each property owner
is sent a card early in the year with their proposed property
value. This card also contains information regarding the dates
and locations of the City's Board of Review and the County's
Board of Equalization.
Members of the City Council commended the City Manager and
staff on meeting the goals set for this budget.
CLOSING OF THE PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to close the Truth in
Taxation Public Hearing until the December 12, 1994 meeting
and that consideration of the budget be placed on the agenda
of that meeting. Roll call: All ayes
yor ~6s~ph Sturdevant
-Anne Student, -C~uncil Secretary