12/09/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 9,1998 Kim noted that the longer it takes to adopt a Comprehensive Plan, the longer it will take to get tax relief. The next handout is a comparison prepared by the Anoka County Assessors office of last years estimated market value to this years estimated market value. The market value and the overall growth in the tax base is split between appreciation of current properties and new construction. Council has been asking for this information every year for some time. Daryl was asked if the 1999 budget includes the additional TIF penalty and the bond costs. Daryl explained that this years TIF "fix" was for 1998 only. He will be meeting with Ehler's and will have more information shortly. He explained that anticipated receipts were reduced in the same amount as the estimated 1999 TIF penalty. It was noted that delaying the positions mentioned above balances the 1999 budget but the Council should deal with this in 2000. Daryl explained that is a good reason for cities to prepare multi-year budgets. Dave explained that historically, the City has realized a surplus in the operating budget each year. If this happens in 1998, the Council will be asked to designate the balance. Staff was asked if the City will have any legal issues or Charter issues in 1999. Dave explained that the Charter Commission will begin considering Charter language changes at their regular January 14, 1999 meeting. All Charter adjustments will be on the November, 1999 ballot. Staff was asked if the 1998 budget has been compared to the 1998 operating costs. Dave said yes and he has made sure that no department has gone over their budget. However, at this time he cannot predict the amount of surplus. Staff was asked if once the new civic complex is operational, will the senior group pay more of the expenses for the operation of this building because they will be using more of the building. It was explained that additional research is needed on this matter. There should also be the discussion of what services should or should not the City provide for its citizens. Daryl explained that the Council will be asked to adopt the 1999 Operating Budget, Water Fund Budget and the Sewer Fund Budget. They will also be asked to adopt the 1998 levy, collectable in 1999. John said that if there is actually additional revenues available and staff does not think that the City will not be hurt since most of the changes from 38.8% tax rate down to a 36% tax rate is revenue driven, he did not see why the budget and the levy could not be adopted on December 14th. He noted that if the Council had to make cuts there might be more of a problem. John felt that delaying new positions would not hurt the City. Page 12 • •