HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/10/1997/98budhrgCITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
December 10, 1997
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota,
held December 10th, 1997, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at Apple Valley City Hall.
PRESENT: M ayor Humphrey; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Sterling.
ABSENT: None.
City staff members present were: City Administrator Gretz, City Clerk Mueller, Finance Director
Ballenger, Assistant to the Administrator Grawe, and Public Works Director Miranowski.
Mayor Humphrey 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 1998
Mr. Gretz reviewed sources of the total proposed 1998 City revenue of $26,863,936; 30 percent of
which is derived from property tax. He reviewed the breakdown of proposed 1998 expenditures
totaling $26,049,983. He described steps involved in the annual budget process.
Mr. Grawe presented a description of the property tax system in Minnesota and tax levy procedures.
He reviewed calculations to determine the tax capacity value of property.
Mr. Ballenger compared the impact of changes in the state property class rates on residential
property. He showed the estimated 1998 taxes on a median valued, $114,700, residence and
reviewed proposed 1998 revenue and expenditures.
Ms. Mueller noted that notice of the hearing was published, as required by law, and was mailed to all
property owners, as part of the truth in taxation notices, by Dakota County. She reviewed a copy of
the notice which shows a comparison of 1997 taxes and proposed 1998 property taxes.
The Mayor asked for questions or comments from the public.
Wilt Anderson, 5441 West 134th Street, expressed concern about increased taxes and said he is not
upset with the City, but with the state property tax system.
John Ernst asked how the taxable market value is established? Mr. Gretz said market value is
determined by the County Assessor. Notices of the value are mailed to each property owner in
March. There is an annual meeting in March or April of each year where property owners can review
records and appeal or request review of values. Mr. Grawe reviewed a breakdown, from the County
Assessor, showing the range of residential market value adjustments this year.
Bill Nelson, 13176 Gemstone Court, asked if the City participates in any legislative lobbying to
change the tax system? The Mayor said the City is involved with the League of Minnesota Cities, the
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
December 10, 1997
Page 2
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, and the Municipal Legislative Commission who all lobby
on legislative issues important to cities.
Chris Gerlach, 173 County Road 42, said he believes there is still a concern that government should
spend less overall. Discussion of changing the property tax system is just shifting taxes around.
Councilmembers Erickson and Goodwin commented on the continued public demand for services and
cost of providing them. Councilmember Grendahl noted that voters approved bond referenda this
year to increase taxes.
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 a meeting on December 11th, 1997.
MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Goodwin, to adjourn and declare the hearing closed.
Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0.
The hearing was adjourned and declared closed at 7:47 o'clock p.m.