11/29/1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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113 1991 COUNCIL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOVEMBER 29, 1990 Mr. Stoks asked for more information on the proposed new fire station. Mayor Bisel explained that the City is part of the Centennial Fire District through a Joint Powers Agreement. This agreement requires that Lino Lakes construct an adequate fire station and have it operational by December 3, 1991. Allan Thiemich, 6725 East Shadow Lake Drive noted that none of the new programs are terribly expensive. The added tax burden for a $85,000.00 home is $30.62 for the year. However, he noted that this is just one level of government. The county and school district will add their increase to the $30.62. Furthermore, it appears that the state will need additional money in the coming year so that they may cut back in state aid. This means that the City will need additional money next year to make up for the loss in state aid. Mayor Bisel said that even though the state may make additional cuts in state aid, the City is restricted and cannot raise the tax levy beyond a certain point dictated by the state. Mayor Bisel also noted that as of yet the state is not cutting their spending. The last time state aid to cities was cut, the cut was suppose to be shifted to the school districts. The school districts are now saying that they have not received all of that shift. Where did that state aid go? Mr. Thiemich said that if property taxes increase in the City at the proposed rate of 16 %, he will not be able to afford to live in this City. He asked that the Council keep in mind that other taxing authorities will be increasing their levies. Mayor Bisel said the City is hoping to continue to seek commercial and industrial development to lessen the tax burden to home owners. Mayor Bisel told the audience that allowing the building of less expensive homes generates lesser taxes. His concern is that these less expensive home still generate the same need for schools and other services. At this point the Council is looking at maintaining the current level of services. The Council is asking the citizens; "what level of service do you want ". Council Member Reinert noted that since local government is the closest to residents, these public hearings draw the largest crowds. He noted that the County conducted a hearing on their proposed 1991 Budget. He said he would be interested to know who many county citizens attended. Council Member Reinert noted another large taxing authority is the school districts. He asked that the citizens voice their opinions to both the county and the school districts as well as the state senators and legislators. Council Member Reinert explained that the legislature mandates programs for cities but does not offer any money to fund the programs. He also noted that the members of the Council are tax payers in Lino Lakes as well as the people in the audience. Mr. Lemke said that it appeared that the last election told some PAGE 7 1 1 1