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November 4, 2003 <br />Honorable Janice Rettman, Chair <br />Ramsey County HRA <br />City Hall /Courthouse <br />Suite 220 <br />St. Paul, MN 55102 <br />Re: Suburban HRA Tax Levy <br />Dear Ms. Rettman: <br />Pursuant to direction of the Mayor and City Council, I am writing to inform you that the City of Little <br />Canada opposes the implementation of HRA Suburban Tax Levy for 2004. Their reasons are as <br />follows: <br />1. The City Council feels capable of providing funding for the types of projects this levy <br />would support. <br />2. A five percent administration fee effectively reduces the dollars that are available for <br />intended projects. <br />3. The concept creates an additional layer of government that is unnecessary. <br />4. This proposal adds additional tax burden to property owners that exacerbates the <br />increases they will already be experiencing. Given the challenging economic <br />environment, it would seem prudent to avoid any additional tax burden. <br />5. While the proposed formula appears to be virtually revenue neutral to Little Canada <br />taxpayers at this time, we want to avoid the possibility of inequities in funding formulas <br />going forward. Per capita distributions between various jurisdictions also shows greater <br />variation than may be appropriate. (For example, two jurisdictions that are larger than us <br />and all that are smaller receive more per capita than Little Canada would.) <br />Should you need further information regarding this change, please contact the undersigned at (651) <br />766 -4040. <br />Sincerely, <br />Joel R. Hanson <br />City Administrator <br />cc: Mayor & City Council <br />Ramsey County Commissioners <br />3- <br />