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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/15/1993/94budhrgCITY OF APPLE yAT3~Y Dakota County, Minnesota December i5, 1993 Minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held December 15th, 1993, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at Apple Valley City Hall. PRESENT: Mayor Branning; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Humphrey (attended at 7:16 p.m.), and Sterling. ABSENT: None. City staff members present were: City Administrator Melena, City Clerk Muetler, City Attorney Sheldon, Finance Director Ballenger, Personnel Director Boland, Community Development Director Gretz, Parks & Recreation Director Johnson, Public Works Director Miranowski, Police Chief Rivers and Fire Ghief Tuthill. Mayor Branning called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Branning 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 1994. He noted that notice of the hearing was published, as required by law, and was mailed to all property owners, truth in taxation notices, by Dakota County. PUBLIC HEARING 1994 BUDGET & TAX LEVY along with Mr. Melena reviewed a s,,mmary of the proposed budget for all funds with revenues of $20,739,786 and expenses of $20,380,726. He compared totals with the .1992 and 1993 budgets as well as the personnel service and benefit costs and consultant and independent contractor costs. The 1994 budget projects a total of 148 fulltime employees, however, he noted that three employees are shown in contingency and would require additional action before funding. He noted that even though the City's tax rate will decrease slightly from 1993, certain properties may pay more taxes because of changes in market values. The Mayor asked for questions of comments from the public. Wilton Anderson, 5441 West 134th Street, said the City has shown fiscal responsibility in holding the line on its budget and should be commended. He commented on his attendance at both the County and School District hearings and his opposition to the increases proposed by those agencies. (Councilmember Humphrey attended during this time.) Margaret Schuffenhauer, 405 Walnut Lane, reviewed ~he history of property taxes on her property. She said she is not concerned with the dollar increase in taxes. She is concerned about snowplowing services. She commented on mail boxes being knocked down and the length of time before her street is plowed even though it is a school route. She would like better service. Mayor Branning read a letter from Marian Malecha, 938 Cortland Drive South, who expressed concern about any tax increase at all. She is a senior citizen and said she has put off making repairs to her home because she is afraid that would increase its value and, consequently, taxes. CITY OF APPLE VATJ.~Y Dakota County, Minnesota December 15, 1993 Page 2 Councilmember Erickson expressed concern about the statement that not making repairs to a home would keep property taxes down. Councilmember Goodwin suggested Staff contact Ms. Malecha and meet with her about assistance that might be available to make repairs. He suggested information about how market values are determined should also be made available to her. Councilmember Goodwtn asked how it was determined which consultant costs need to be identified separately for the truth in taxation process? Mr. Melena said basically the costs of consultants or independent contractors which do work that could be done by an employee need to be identified. The Mayor asked for other questions or comments. There were none. MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Sterling, to adjourn and declare the hearing closed. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. The hearing was adjourned and declared closed at 7:24 o'clock p.m.