12-15-10 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 15, 2010 Director then noted the City's share of taxes on commercial /industrial properties with a 8.6% valuation decrease. The Director then listed the taxing jurisdictions that impact property taxes which include the City, School District (either 623 or 624 in Little Canada), County, and special taxing jurisdictions of Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Mosquito Control, Regional Rail Authority, and Ramsey /Washington Metro Watershed District. Of the total tax dollar on a median valued home, the City comprises 21 the County 42 the School District (623) 29 and miscellaneous jurisdictions 8 The Director concluded her presentation noting that issues that will require continued attention next year include the State budget deficit and potential LGA cuts as well as the economy. Uldis Erdmanis, commercial and residential property owner in the City, commented that the budget presentation was well laid out and complete. He noted that in the current economy everyone is under financial stress. Erdmanis reported that the valuation of his property is remaining the same for 2011, but felt that valuation should be decreased, and indicated that he will raise that issue with the County. Erdmanis reviewed the history of the property taxes that he has paid on his commercial property from approximately $4,500 in 1992 to over $24,000 in 2011. He suggested that rather than be satisfied as the 7 lowest taxing jurisdiction in the County, the City strive to be lower. Blesener reviewed some of the budget cutting actions that were taken during 2010 as the result of LGA unallotments, some of which include not replacing a part -time employee as well as a full -time employee converting to a part-time contractor. Services were also decreased, an example of which is the closing of the Demont skating rink. Blesener noted that the City continues to look for ways to cut expenses, and noted that the City Administrator is very fiscally conservative. Erdmanis stated that it appears the City is running a very tight budget and he congratulated the Council for this. Blesener noted that the increase in the levy this year is attributed to the need to budget for fire truck and equipment replacement. Blesener also noted the State's budget crisis and past actions in unalloting LGA to cities after it had already been certified. The City Administrator noted that 20 years ago, Little Canada was the second highest taxing jurisdiction, and that the council has worked hard over the years to change that ranking. He also noted that the cities ranked 5