09-11-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 9 September 11, 1995 r~ ~J Ms. Trade noted that one reason the city needs to estimate high is because they are not certain yet what the tax levels will be in the community because some of the valuations are not set yet. Mayor Linke stated up until recently the Council had indicated to staff to have a 0 % increase in the property tax levy. However, the Council has since decided that they will look at approximately a 3 % increase to help finance the city's share of the pedestrian bridge. The other 3 % is added in the event that numbers do not work out between now and the end of the year. This is just the high side. The city cannot exceed the proposed numbers and may even go below them. Right now the other 3 % is not a budgeted number and the city's budget still calls for only the 396 increase for the pedestrian bridge. Ms. Hankner noted that from this time until the budget is actually adopted is the time in which residents should contact the council with their support or concerns. Mayor Linke explained that on October 24, 1995, there is a Budget Information Hearing scheduled where the entire budget will be discussed. The Truth in Taxation Hearing is scheduled for November 29th and December 6th. Ms. Trade commented that the tax increase appears to be due to the pedestrian bridge. Alternatives to this financing option were also discussed which would not increase property taxes for residents. Mayor Linke stated this is another issue altogether. At this time, the 3 % increase for the pedestrian bridge appears to be the only way it will go. • MOTION/SECOND: TrudeBlanchard to approve Resolution 4805, Certifying the 1996 Proposed Operating Budget, 1996 Proposed Property Tax Levies and Setting the Date for a Public Hearing on the Same Pursuant to Truth in Taxation Legislation. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carved C, Consideration of Resolution No, 4806, Authorizing the City of Mounds View to Enter into a Service Agreement with Ken Transportation Service, Inc. Ms. Samantha Orduno explained that the Federal Highway Administration and the U. S. Department of Transportation has mandated an alcohol and drug testing requirement for safety sensitive employees. The implementation of this rule is as follows: 1) counties and cities that have 50 or more safety scesitive employees must have complied by January 1, 1995; 2) the remaining counties or cities with 49 or less safety sensitive employees must implement a program by January 1, 1996. Ms. Orduno explained that this is another Federal mandate that the city must implement by 7aauary 1, 1996. The city has contacted Ken Transportation Services which is the leading employee drug testing company in the area. It has been determined that the best possible pricing can be obtained if most of the cities contract with Ken Transportation. Most of the area cities are going with Ken Transportation. They will do the random testing. It is estimated that random testing will be done anywhere from six to nine times per year. There is a one-time charge of $189.00 which gets the city