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Mounds View City Council December 11, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 10 friendly amendment to the motion for approval of Resolution 5487 to move the discussion on funding for the program to the work session. Council Member Marty as the motioner declined Council Member Thomas’ request for a friendly amendment. Ayes – 3 (Coughlin/Marty/Quick) Nays – 2 (Stigney/Thomas) Motion carried. C. Consideration of Resolution No. 5491, Adopting the 2001 Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 5491, a Resolution Adopting the 2001 Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget. Finance Director Kressel asked for the latitude to be able to make changes within the budget if needed keeping the bottom line numbers as approved with the Resolution. Mayor Coughlin suggested a friendly amendment to allow Staff the latitude to change the numbers within the budget provided the bottom line numbers remain the same. Council Member Marty, the motioner, and Council Member Quick, the seconder, agreed to the friendly amendment. Council Member Stigney expressed his displeasure with the 22.4% increase in taxes indicating the City has the highest tax increase in the northern suburbs and he believes it to be excessive. With the 4% franchise fee, water meter fee, street light and utility fee, and the recently added water services fee, he feels the City is going to extremes and he does not and will not support it. Mayor Coughlin clarified the increase in taxes stems from certain issues residents have asked Council to address. Community based policing required the hiring of two additional officers. Poor planning has led to substandard buildings at some of the park facilities. One in particular needs to be completely replaced as it is in danger of being condemned. The City of Mounds View is an aging community and, as such, there are things that need repair and updating. Playground equipment in the parks needs to be updated which is a large expense. There are several other redevelopment issues budgeted for also. Council Member Quick added the City is paying for 25% of the salary of the police liaison officer at Edgewood Middle School. Council Member Thomas noted her agreement with Council Member Stigney that a tax increase of 22.4% is excessive but due to the fact she has no alternative plan she will support the increase this year noting she would not support such an increase in future years.