11/27/1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 23, 1995 Mr. Mayne asked the City Council to give favorable consideration to the Centennial School District referendum. Mayor Reinert asked if the proposed bond referendum would only construct facilities or would furnishing the facilities be included. Mr. Mayne said that proposal includes furnishings and staff. Mr. Mayne had noted that the Early Childhood Family Education Program is mandated by the Federal Government. Mayor Reinert asked if funding was provided for this Program. Mr. Mayne explained that this is not a "baby-sitting" program and there is Federal funding. Ms. Dietz said that if the program was cut from the Federal budget, the building could be used in many different ways. Ms. Dietz told the Council that there will be updates on the referendum in the Observer which should be in the mail by Friday. Council Member Neal referred to the sale of Lovell School several years ago. Mr. Mayne explained why that school was closed and sold. Mr. Mayne explained that part of the reason the School District is experiencing a shortage of classrooms is because of the population growth in the Centennial area. He also noted that families are getting larger. Mayor Reinert thanked Mr. Mayne and Ms. Dietz for their report. CLARIFICATION OF PROPOSED TAX LEVY, RANDY SCHUMACHER Mr. Schumacher explained that on September 11, 199.5, the City Council approved a preliminary tax levy for City operations in 1996. Shortly thereafter, a local newspaper ran an article explaining the impact of the proposed tax levy. The City received numerous telephone calls and letters indicating their interpretation of the newspaper article reflected significant tax increases to their property. In reality, the proposed tax levy would have no tax increase to the property owners. In fact, new figures from Anoka County indicate that there will be a slight reduction in the tax each property owner would pay to the City. Mr. Schumacher also explained that the Centennial School District voiced concerns over the newspaper article. They felt an unclear message was being sent to residents, and this might negatively affect their November bond referendum. Mr. Schumacher used the overhead projector to show a chart which outlines the City portion of the property tax from 1990 to 1996. The average increase over these years was very insignificant. Mayor Reinert noted that in a recent publication, Lino Lakes had dropped from the top 10 highest property taxed City to number 62. This is significant and shows that the City is addressing this important issue. PAGE 3