HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-2012 CCM TNTLAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 4, 2012
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CITY OF LAKE ELMO
2012 TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
December 4, 2012 Mayor Johnston called the 2012 Truth in Taxation meeting to order at 7:02pm.
PRESENT: Mayor Johnston, Council Members Emmons, Smith, Pearson, and Park. Also Present: City Administrator Zuleger, City Attorney Snyder, City Engineer Griffin, Finance Director Bendel, Planning Director Klatt, and City Clerk Bell. City Administrator Zuleger explained the purpose of the hearing. He and Finance Director Bendel presented an overview of the 2013 budget. Mr. Zuleger explained that the proposal was the culmination of several budget workshops. A preliminary levy was adopted on September 18, 2012. Per state statute the adopted levy can go down, but not up. 2013 property values were assessed by City Assessor Frank Langer. Total City taxable market values decreased 1.2 percent from 2012 to 2013. Median taxable market values decreased 8.3 percent from 2012 to 2013. Finance Director Bendel explained the tax capacity calculations and the resulting differences in the 2013 general levy from the 2012 general levy. Mayor Johnston asked for clarification on the new library portion of the levy; specifically, whether it included the bonding and when the bonding would change. Mr. Zuleger confirmed that the figure was after the bonding had been taken out. He also reported that the City has inquired several times about the bonding changing and have not received and answer as of yet. Ms. Bendel explained that the debt service levies are included in the total levy. There is an increase in the difference between the general levy and the total levy due to debt service increase and the addition of the library levy. Mr. Zuleger provided an explanation of how the property tax rate was calculated. 2013 rate of 28.037% resulted in a 25% total rate increase from 2012. Mayor Johnston asked about how the 25% rate increase was possible. Mr. Zuleger and Ms. Bendel explained that there is a worksheet that can be provided that explains the calculation. Mr. Zuleger and Ms. Bendel reported the average home value of Lake Elmo is higher than the surrounding area, and Lake Elmo properties have retained their value better than the rest of the county. Mr. Zuleger gave a summary of 2013 budget inclusions. The 2013 budget is a balanced budget. Revenues are expected to increase. Budget expenditures were explained. The City is low in public works and safety, but little high in general government expenditure. A reason for that is legal and engineering contract services are high.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 4, 2012
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Mayor Johnston asked if we were low in police protection staffing. Mr. Zuleger stated Lake Elmo’s police protection is about 1:2000 per capita, where most police chiefs recommend 2:1000 per capita. The budget proposes a contingency fund instead of having to bond for anticipated expenses. Staff recommendation: In September, the Council wanted to budget levy increase of $120,342 including $70,000 for enhanced traffic enforcement. The trial enhanced enforcement has resulted in a behavior change; therefore, staff recommends that no additional funding is needed at this time. Additional funds can be reallocated if council later deems it necessary. The final proposal is $3,163,359. Council Member Emmons noted he has seen a difference in traffic. He then asked about what impact the Hwy 36/Hilton Trail would have. City Engineer Griffin clarified that east west traffic should still be open, so it should have little impact. Hilton Trail North will experience more of an impact from the project. City Administrator Zuleger reminded everyone that on December 16th at 6:00 the MnDOT/Highway 5 Traffic Safety Audit will take place. There will be an opportunity for the public to voice concerns regarding the safety on that roadway. Mayor Johnston expressed his belief that there was a consensus for support of the staff recommendation on the proposed 2013 Budget and General Levy. Mayor Johnston opened the public hearing at 7:30 PM. As there was no public comment, Mayor Johnston closed the public hearing at 7:31pm.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ATTEST: _______________________________________ Mike Pearson, Mayor ______________________________________ Adam R. Bell, City Clerk