HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 30, 1995OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHT CITY COUNCIL
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 30, 1995
The Truth in Taxation Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor Sturdevant.
Petkoff, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant- present
Councilmember Jolly was out of town on City business.
PURPOSE OF HEARING
To consider adoption of the 1996 budget and establish tax
levies.
3. PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
The City Manager advised handout material for this hearing is
a summary of the 350 page budget document. He noted that when
the final adoption of the budget resolution is completed and
other information related to the budget is prepared, it will
all be included in a budget informational video. This will be
cablecast along with the taping of this public hearing.
Preparation of the 1996 budget started in April of 1995.
Numerous staff meetings and Council work sessions were held
until the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing. During these
meetings, each item in the proposed budget was scrutinized to
address possible cuts or changes in individual departments or
funds.
Included in the handout packet was information regarding
revenue sources and expenditures. The City Manager noted that
municipal budgeting is rather complex but this information has
been formatted to be very understandable. He recognized the
efforts of staff in the Finance Department in producing this
packet.
The composition of the City's tax base was reviewed. The tax
base is dominated by residential property which is about
seventy-five percent of the total.
The residential classification is the lowest taxed with
commercial/industrial being taxed at a slightly higher rate.
The rate on commerical/industrial has decreased in the last
few years.
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 30, 1995
PAGE 2
At its September 11, 1995 meeting, the Council set a "not-to-
exceed" tax levy of 3%. The City Manager advised that with
this budget, the City's share of the overall tax levy will be
held at approximately a 1.25% increase.
It is anticipated that taxes within the City will decrease
from previous year levels. Any increase above the City's 1.25%
would likely be due to an increase in a home's valuation.
The City Manager presented a chart which addressed a five year
projection of revenue needed and the effect on the local levy.
The years focused on in the chart are 1995 through 1999. It
was noted that some of the data presented for these five years
is based on assumptions.
The City Manager's presentation was concluded with his
comments relative to a pie graph detailing where property tax
dollars will be utilized in 1996. Fifty percent is allocated
to the School District, twenty three percent is allocated to
Anoka County, twenty two percent goes to the City and the
remaining five percent is earmarked for special districts.
COMMENTS FROM RESIDENTS
One resident felt the funds used to improve the Sheffield
Neighborhood should have been used to build a prison in that
area. He suggested there could be a large profit realized from
this venture. It is his opinion if this project were done
there would be no future property taxes ever needed to keep
the City operating.
CLOSING OF PUBLIC HEARING
Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to close the Truth in
Taxation Public Hearing. Roll call: All ayes
CONSIDERATION OF BUDGET RESOLUTION
Motion by Peterson, second by Petkoff to add the budget
resolution to the agenda of the Regular Council Meeting of
December 11, 1995 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Roll call: AlL
ayes
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 30, 1995
PAGE 3
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Petkoff, second by Peterson to adjourn the Public
Hearing at 7:48 p.m. Roll call: All ayes
William Elrite, Secretary Pro-rem