12-05-2022 TNT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council December 5, 2022 Truth in Taxation Meeting Page 2 Finance Director Beer commented on the City’s revenues of which 69% were from property taxes, along with the other sources for revenues. He discussed how the fund balance would be impacted in 2023. It was noted the proposed property tax levy would increase by 4.98%. He compared the City’s proposed levy to the levy of neighboring communities. Staff discussed how the proposed levy would impact the median value home owner and asked for comments or questions from the City Council. Mayor Mueller asked who assigns the value on properties. Finance Director Beer reported this was done by the County Assessors office. Council Member Meehlhause inquired if the police referendum amount changed from year to year. Finance Director Beer explained the referendum is a percentage of the estimated market value of the entire City and this value changes from year to year. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, asked if staff knew how much land area was taxed versus the land that was untaxed. Finance Director Beer estimated the City had 15% of the land in TIF districts or untaxed. Mr. Amundsen commented when he received his tax preparation bill for 2023 he learned that the other tax authorities had decreases for the coming year while the City of Mounds View would have an increase. He questioned if this was because the City was continuing to do large transfers in and out of funds, or if the City was not dealing with a balanced budget. Finance Director Beer reported the school district and county received fairly large federal grants that the City did not receive, which was assisting them with their 2023 budgets. Mr. Amundsen encouraged the Council to consider using a zero based budget going forward. Renee Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, explained she printed out the budget for 2023. She understood a $450,000 trail was being planned for her neighborhood and noted this trail was not wanted. She questioned where the money for this trail was coming from stating she did not see the expense on the budget. Finance Director Beer reported the trail project was within the budget of the street improvement project. He explained Fridley would be administering this project and the City would pay its portion. Ms. Johnson asked who was driving the trail improvements. Finance Director Beer indicated the trail was part of the City’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Johnson stated if this trail has been in in the City’s plans for over 15 years, why did the City wait to tell the residents until just recently. Finance Director Beer commented this was because Fridley gave the City of Mounds View very short notice. He reported the City typically plans its street projects a year and a half in advance. Ms. Johnson indicated there was 100% participation in a petition on the Mounds View side to not put the trail in. She questioned if this would impact the street project. Finance Director Beer stated this would be determined by the City Council.