12-07-98 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 7,1998 safety budget is $673,000 for services received from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department that constitutes approximately one-third of the total General Fund budget. Per capita spending of various services was compared. Per capital spending for police services is at $61.00 per resident. Based on the most current information compiled by the State Auditor's office, this places Little Canada for the 2"~ year in a row at the fourth lowest of Ramsey County municipalities. Fire protection is at $23.00 per capita, or 7'~' lowest of the twelve Ramsey County cities; street maintenance at $19.00 per resident, or second lowest; and park/recreation services at approximately $21.00 per capita places Little Canada at 5`~' lowest. In comparing Generai Government spending, Little Canada is 2"d lowest at $36.00 per capita. The Accountant pointed out that a comparison of the total of all basic services places Little Canada tied with the City of Lauderdale as having the lowest per capital spending at $162. The Accountant next reviewed a chart detailing the allocation of City taxes on a median value home. She noted that City taxes are slightly over $300 per year or approximately $26 per month for City services which include public safety, debt service, general government, public works and community services. The Accountant also noted that for the second year in a row there is no planned levy for capital improvements. The Accountant reviewed a graph showing General Fund revenue trends noting that revenues are projected to increase by 1.12% over 1998 budgeted revenues. A pie chart was reviewed which showed that property taxes make up the bulk of General Fund revenues at 58%, intergovernmental revenues make up 27%, and the remaining 15% comes from sources such as fines, licenses and permits, interest, and charges for . services. Debt service has been the other major factor in the City's tax levy for many years and accounts for 33% of the total levy in 1999. The Accountant noted that in the year 2000 the debt levy will decrease by $256,400 due to the payoff of General Obligation Storm Sewer refunding bonds. In 2003, the debt levy will drop off entirely decreasing by an additional $380,600. The City currently has a Debt Levy Reduction Committee studying the different options for the use of these funds. Although the Committee is not ready to make a formal recommendation at this time, they are discussing a combination of a portion ofthese funds returned to the taxpayers and a portion set-aside for future capital improvement and infrastructure needs.