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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/06/1999/00budhrgCITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 6, 1999 Minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held December 6th, 1999, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at Apple Valley City Hall. PRESENT: May or Hamann-Roland; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Sterling. ABSENT: None. City staff members present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Mueller, City Attorney Dougherty, City Engineer Gordon, Finance Director Ballenger, Natural Resources Coordinator Colleran, Police Chief Erickson, Assistant to the Administrator Grawe, Assistant Public Works Director Heuer, Parks & Recreation Director Johnson, Community Development Director Kelley, Human Resources Manager Margarit, Public Works Director Miranowski, and Intern Pederson. Mayor Hamann-Roland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Mayor announced that the purpose of the meeting is to hold a public hearing on the City's budget and on the amount of property taxes proposed to be collected to pay for the costs of services the City will provide in 2000. Mr. Lawell reviewed the steps in the budget process prescribed by state law. It began with department preparation in July. After review and adjustment, the City Administrator submitted the proposed budget to the Council in August. The Council reviewed the document and approved the preliminary budget and tax levy, based on it, in September. Before adoption of the final budget, this public hearing is required. Mr. Ballenger reviewed proposed total 2000 revenue of $30,529,499 and sources of those funds. Budget expenditures are proposed at $30,136,276 and he reviewed their distribution over the various departments and funds. He reviewed the calculations to determine tax capacity rate and the impact of tax rates on various valued homes in the City. In all cases, the City’s portion of the property tax bill will be reduced from last year. Even for properties where the market value increased five percent, the City’s tax will be lower. Councilmember Sterling asked who determines the amount of the transit tax the City levies? Mr. Ballenger said a formula in state law sets the maximum and the Revenue Department notifies the City of the amount. Because we have opted to levy the tax rather allow the Metropolitan Council to do so, levy limits are applied in the same manner as for the City tax. The Mayor asked for questions or comments from the public. Wilton Anderson, 5441 West 134th Street, commended the City for doing a good job. His City taxes are going down 5.9 percent even though his market value went up. The City portion of his tax bill is 27 percent and he is pleased with the City’s management of tax dollars. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota December 6, 1999 Page 2 Art Bauman, 12885 Glen Way, said he moved here in March and does not believe retirees will be able to live in the City due to high taxes. He believes the City’s tax structure is higher here than it was in Minneapolis. He asked for a statement showing what he is being taxed on and how the value is determined. The value on his property increased 584 percent, from $22500 to $171,500. Mayor Hamann-Roland said retirees are welcomed to the community. The increased tax situation he described is because he has a newly constructed home and only had lot taxes last year. Mr. Ballenger explained the process used by the County Assessor to determine value. The County is required to set market values within 95 percent of actual values. The Assessor’s office can provide details on how the value was determined. Councilmember Erickson said citizens should be aware that the City plays no role in setting the value of a home. He also stated the City’s taxes are in the median range for this area. Every year the Taxpayers’ Association publishes a comparison of property taxes on a sample home in the metropolitan area. For this year, of about 186 entities, Apple Valley was 82nd on the list. The Mayor asked for other questions or comments. There were none. Adoption of the tax levy and budget will be considered by the Council at its meeting on December 9th, 1999. MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, to adjourn and declare the hearing closed. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. The hearing was adjourned and declared closed at 7:27 o'clock p.m.