12-13-2021 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 A. Public Hearing – 2022 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds. 1. Resolution 9513, Adopting the 2022 Tax Levy. 2. Resolution 9514, Approving the 2022 EDA Tax Levy. 3. Resolution 9515, Adopting 2022 Municipal Budget. Finance Director Beer discussed the 2022 Tax Levy and budgets for all funds. He requested the Council adopt three Resolutions which would adopt the 2022 Tax Levy, approve the 2022 EDA Tax Levy and adopt the 2022 municipal budget. He reported the preliminary levy was set in September of 5% for the General Fund, .94% for the police referendum and .04% for debt service. He indicated adjustments have been made to reduce the levy by .65% making the final levy 5.33%. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, spoke to the Council regarding the City’s tax limit, noting this was to be limited to 5%. He noted the Charter language states that the ad valorem tax limit is 5% with some exceptions for fees and indebtedness. He indicated the EDA levy or other special levies should be included in the 5%. He expressed frustration that the Council was not adhering to the language and spirit of the Charter. Bob King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, expressed concern with what the Council considers a tax. He noted the residents voted for street improvements, which should not be considered a tax. In addition, the residents voted for the three police officers, which should not be considered a tax. He indicated a tax was expenditures the City made a decision on. He did not believe the referendum for the three police officers should be considered an extra tax. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 6:49 p.m. Council Member Hull asked if the City Council was in violation of the City Charter with the proposed tax levy. City Attorney Riggs reported the City Council was not in violation. Council Member Meehlhause noted the debt service for the new Public Works Facility and Fire Station No. 3 were not considered to be part of the levy either. City Attorney Riggs indicated this was the case. Council Member Meehlhause explained the Street Project was also considered debt service and were not part of the levy. City Attorney Riggs stated this was the case. Finance Director Beer commented any resident approved levies were exempt from the Charter language. Council Member Meehlhause questioned what was driving the employee expense increase. Finance Director Beer stated this was due to a 3% cost of living adjustment, along with step increases for employees. Council Member Meehlhause asked what could be done in order to reduce the levy expenses. Finance Director Beer indicated this would require the City to reduce the number of employees