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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2000 Council MinutesTRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DECEMBER 4, 2000 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE: December 4, 2000 TIME STARTED: 6:05 P.M. TIME ENDED: 6:50 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bergeson, Carlson, Dahl, O'Donnell, Reinert MEMBERS ABSENT: None Staff members present: City Administrator Linda Waite Smith; Finance Director Al Rolek FINANCE DIRECTOR PRESENTATION Rolek distributed and explained a packet of information, beginning with a calendar of events and activities involved in budget presentation. Next Rolek explained that the proposed General Fund Budget for 2001 is $6,047,866 compared with a 2000 General Fund Budget of $5,563,672. Then he reviewed proposed General Fund Revenues, which are projected to increase 8.70%, from $5,563,672 in 2000 to $6,047,866 in 2001. He explained the sources of revenue and the percentage of the budget they represent: Property taxes — 68.65%; fees for licenses and permits —11.93%; intergovernmental aid and grants — 6.11%; charges for services — 4.02%; fines and forfeitures —1.65%; investment income —1.49%; and miscellaneous sources — 6.15%. Next Rolek reviewed proposed General Fund Expenditures, which are equal to proposed revenues. He categorized expenditures into four broad categories: Public Safety — 37.80%; Pubic Services — 31.86%; Administration — 16.67%; Community Development — 13.67%. Rolek then explained that the City of Lino Lakes receives about 28% of each property tax dollar paid by a Lino Lakes taxpayer. The Centennial (or other) School District receives 45%, Anoka County receives 22% and other taxing jurisdictions such as the Rice Creek Watershed District receive the remaining 5%. He then explained how the City's tax rate is calculated. He reviewed the history of the tax rate in Lino Lakes and noted it has remained constant since1999. The same rate raises more revenue, however, because the property valuation in the City increases each year. He noted the impact of the tax rate on properties valued from $100,000 to $300,000. The last item in the presentation was an explanation of the internal loan program the City uses to purchase equipment and vehicles. These "certificates of indebtedness" in the amount of $332,030 are proposed to be used for squad cars, fire equipment, and public works vehicles in 2001. In response to a question from the City Council, Rolek explained that the City of Lino Lakes is a net gainer in the State's Fiscal Disparities program. In response to another question, he explained that to make the budget more accurate, funds had been shifted to cost centers where they could be most accurately reflected. One example was the City's quarterly newsletter which used to be accounted for in each department budget. In the future, the entire cost will be reflected in the Mayor/Council cost center because it is one of their communication tools. PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Paulette Desjardins, 250 West Pines, Lino Lakes, told the City Council she can't understand why property is valued so high in the City. She stated that from a public relations stand point, it is alarming to hear that money is being shifted (in response to discussion about the accounting changes discussed in relation to the City newsletter). Rolek gave her the phone number of the County Assessor who establishes the value of property in the City. He also advised her to watch for a notice of the Board of Review meeting in early Spring. There being no further public comments, the Truth in Taxation hearing was continued to December 11, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on January 22, 2001. 4r.k.697,t-X irwidd"j Ry-Chel Gaustad, City Clerk John B geso , Mayor Transcribed by: Linda Waite Smith