12-08-25 - City Council Meeting Minutes

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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes Phil Korst, 6720 East Shadow Lake Drive, Lino Lakes, stated that he lives on a lake and the property valuation and tax increases are taxing him out of his home. He questioned why the city can't have a budget that either stays the same or decreases. He stated that he and the neighbors on his street do not use all of the goods and services that are provided by the city and included in the budget. Anne Simonson, 6897 Black Duck Lake, Lino Lakes, stated that she lives on a lake as well. She asked that the city push off some of the improvements or projects included in the budget to reduce costs. She stated that there are residents living on fixed incomes and the increase is a hardship. That the city should look at the impact of increase on the residents. Carol Featherstoe, 631, Andall Street, Lino Lakes, stated that she agrees with the statements of the prior speakers. She questioned the staffing levels for the fire and police departments and asked if the city had reviewed the number compared to cities of a similar size. She stated that while she is a member of the Rookery and enjoys going there, if it is losing money that it is not worth it as a taxpayer. She concluded by asking that in the future the City holds a public hearing, at a meeting prior to the meeting at which the vote is held. John Koch, 25 Glenview, Lino Lakes, reviewed the significant property valuation and property tax increases over the past several years. He stated that he does not feel that he gets much for his property tax dollars. He stated that the potholes on his street are rarely replaced or repaired and he has never had a new layer of blacktop on his street in 23 years. With notation, he is not asking for a new street with an assessment. He questioned why the city didn't put the storm water utility charge with the taxes. He stated that he does not have a storm sewer on his street and that the end of his driveway floods, yet he pays the storm water charge. Jackson Miller, 4019 Arrowhead Drive, Lino Lakes, thanked staff for preparing the PowerPoint and information presented this evening. He stated that as a resident receiving the Truth -In -Taxation statement showing a 15.9% increase he had sticker shock. He understands that the City Council has been working on the budget over the past year, however, he asked them to consider the impact on residents that are living on fixed incomes, and this increase can be hard to take on all at one time. The City Clerk presented a written statement submitted by Don and Jill Santanni, 6762 Ivywood Avenue, Lino Lakes, opposing a 16.9% tax increase. Citing the impact on those on a fixed income. Noting that taxes exceed mortgage payments for some property owners. Stating that additional rooftops have not resulted in lower taxes in Lino Lakes. And asking that the city find areas to cut the budget. Page 5 of 11