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Mounds View City Council December 3, 2018 <br />Truth in Taxation Meeting Page 2 <br /> <br />increase had been included in the City’s expenditures. He commented further on the City’s <br />worker’s comp increase. He described how the City’s experience mod would decrease over time. <br /> <br />Mayor Mueller indicated the EDA/HRA levy assists the City with addressing community <br />development since the City’s three TIF districts had retired. She asked if the City would <br />continue to seal coat its streets whether or not the EDA/HRA levy was approved. Finance <br />Director Beer reported this was the case, noting sealcoating was budgeted separately in the City’s <br />long-term maintenance fund. <br /> <br />Mayor Mueller stated she believed the only wiggle room the budget had at this time was with the <br />EDA/HRA levy. Finance Director Beer explained if the Council were to do away with this levy, <br />the Council would have to change the City’s strategic plan. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause questioned what the tax levy increase was for 2018. Finance <br />Director Beer stated the levy in 2018 was 8.87%. <br /> <br />Mayor Mueller questioned what percentage the EDA/HRA levy was of the total levy. Finance <br />Director Beer reported this made up approximately 2%. <br /> <br />Council Member Hull stated he did not see any EDA activity in the next five years. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause commented the EDA levy helps with the loan programs being <br />provided to residents. <br /> <br />Mayor Mueller questioned how a 2% reduction in the levy would impact the median value <br />homeowner. Finance Director Beer estimated this would reduce the expense to homeowners by <br />approximately $4 to $5. <br /> <br />Council Member Hull stated the City had several significant expenditures increases in 2019 and <br />did not believe there would be any EDA activity for the next five years. City Administrator <br />Zikmund reviewed the Council’s strategic plan and noted the properties the City had in mind for <br />redevelopment in the near future. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause asked if any of the EDA/HRA levy was used to support Brian <br />Beeman. Finance Director Beer reported a portion of the levy was used to pay Business <br />Development Coordinator Beeman. <br /> <br />Mayor Mueller opened the Truth in Taxation meeting for public comment at 6:34 p.m. <br /> <br />Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated he has spoken to the Council twice during the <br />budgeting process. He expressed concern with the proposed levy increase. He commented on <br />the Council’s Statement of Values and encouraged the Council to follow the spirit of the law. He <br />discussed the limits that were set on expanding fees within the City’s Charter and levy cap. He <br />questioned why the EDA had not submitted a budget to the City Council. Finance Director Beer <br />reported a budget was submitted to the Council in August of 2018.