HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/07/1998/99budhrgCITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
December 7, 1998
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota,
held December 7th, 1998, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at Apple Valley City Hall.
PRESENT: May or Humphrey; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Sterling.
ABSENT: None.
City staff members present were: City Administrator Gretz, City Clerk Mueller, City Attorney
Sheldon, City Engineer Gordon, Finance Director Ballenger, Fire Chief Calvin, 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,
and Public Works Director Miranowski.
Mayor Humphrey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Council and everyone in attendance
took part in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. 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 1999.
Mr. Ballenger reviewed proposed total 1999 expenditures of $28,443,915 and compared their
distribution over the various departments and funds. He noted the budget includes funding for several
new positions; including, an administrative position in the Police Department, upgrade of Community
Service Officer hours to a fulltime position, an administrative position in the Fire Department, and a
Recreation Specialist. Funding is also included for a tree replacement program. He reviewed sources
of proposed total 1999 revenue of $29,162,372; 29 percent of which is derived from property taxes.
The Mayor asked for questions or comments from the public.
Wilt Anderson, 5441 West 134th Street, commended the Council on providing quality services;
however, he expressed concern about increasing taxes affecting senior citizens and their ability to pay
since social security is not increasing at the same level. He asked what percentage the City is
budgeting for salary increases. Mr. Gretz said there is a provision for a three percent increase.
Councilmember Goodwin commented on the difficulty of making an allowance in the budget for
salary increases when the budget is being prepared in August. Estimates are used for cost of living
adjustments and the City is either committed to the second year of a labor contract or new contracts
are not settled.
Mayor Humphrey commented on legislative changes which are placing more of the city and county
revenue on property taxes and supplementing school revenue. Citizens will probably see more of
their property tax dollars going toward cities and counties in the future. It was noted that letters have
been received from JoLeeAnn Smith, 7677 West 128th Street; and Wayne Tegeler, 14292 Freeport
Trail; both related to concerns about property market values.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
December 7, 1998
Page 2
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 10th, 1998.
MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Grendahl, to adjourn and declare the hearing closed.
Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
The hearing was adjourned and declared closed at 7:16 o'clock p.m.