11-30-94 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEPiBER 30, 1994 these types of costs are considered capital improvements. The City is currently looking at its assessment policy to determine what is the best balance of assessment to the property owner for these types of improvements and the City's share of the cost. Steele reported that the valuation of his home was increased by $5,000. Steele reported that he was informed that his home's value is increasing due to the new homes being constructed in Little Canada. The Administrator replied that residential property values are increasing in suburban Ramsey County. State Law says that market values must be at 90% of sales data, and the County determines this by recent home sales. The Administrator reported that Little Canada homes on average have seen a 5% increase in property value. Steele felt he should be able to appeal his valuation increase at City Hall, rather than at the County Assessor's office. The City Administrator pointed out the City does not have the power to affect property values. That is the charge of the County Assessor's Office. A property owner reported that the valuation on his townhouse was increased by 5%, and asked who was responsible for the increase. The Administrator reported that the County is responsible for property valuations. The Administrator thought that the County visited properties on a four- year cycle, but typically uses a mass appraisal system. The Administrator again pointed out that the City is planning on a 0% net levy increase as the Council has done over the last few years. A property owner asked for a comparison of the City's expenses versus those of other cities. The City Administrator reported that based on the State Auditor's reports, Little Canada~s expenses are low compared to other cities when calculated on a per capita basis. The resident asked why Little Canada has consistently 5