HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2020/12/07APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Truth In Taxation Meeting
December 7, 2020
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
6:00 P.M.
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
Mayor Mueller stated due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting would be held virtually.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL: Bergeron, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller.
NOT PRESENT: None.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, December 7, 2020, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Monday, December 7, 2020, agenda as
presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Truth in Taxation Presentation.
Finance Director Beer reviewed the proposed 2021 budget in detail indicating it was the City’s
mission to provide high quality public services at a fiscally responsible rate. General Fund
expenditures by purpose were reviewed along with expenditures by function. He noted this
meeting would allow the public a time to voice concerns and explained the final budget would be
approved at the Monday, December 14, 2020 City Council Meeting.
Finance Director Beer then described the General Fund operating expenditures by function. He
noted the 2021 budget had very minor increases. He discussed the great partnership the City had
with the SBM Fire Department and commented on how this partnership allowed the City to receive
fire protection services at a very affordable rate. He indicated the General Fund operating budget
was projected to increase by 1.57%.
Mounds View City Council December 7, 2020
Truth in Taxation Meeting Page 2
Finance Director Beer commented on the City’s revenues noting 70% came from property taxes.
The other sources for revenues were further discussed. He reported the City would have a 50%
budget for LGA in 2021. He indicated the fund balance would be reduced by $472,000 with
$242,000 coming from the Levy Reduction Fund. Staff discussed how the proposed levy would
impact the median value home owner and asked for comments or questions.
Mayor Mueller questioned what the impact would be of lowering the HRA levy in 2021. Finance
Director Beer explained the entire EDA/HRA levy was only $100,000. He commented on how
the City’s housing and loan programs would be impacted if the EDA/HRA levy was reduced.
Drew Horman, 2402 Sherwood Road, believed that the City spending 50% of the General Fund
budget on public safety was excessive. He recommended this funding be shifted away from public
safety and towards community development and parks.
Mayor Mueller reported this included both fire and police services. She explained one of the
Council’s main missions was to provide public safety services for the community. City
Administrator Zikmund commented on the activities the Mounds View Police Department was
addressing in the community. He discussed how the City was working to replace all of its streets,
water and sewer lines. He encouraged Mr. Horman to review the City’s strategic plan. Finance
Director Beer explained for the past five to ten years, the City spends 48% to 51% of its budget on
police and fire services. He stated neighboring communities were spending about the same amount
for these services.
Council Member Hull commented in the past 15 years, Mounds View residents have passed two
police referendums. He stated this told him that there was overwhelming support for the Mounds
View Police Department.
Mayor Mueller discussed the work the City has been doing on its parks over the past ten years and
described the function of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. She encouraged Mr.
Horman to contact her with further questions or comments regarding the City’s public safety
services.
6. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 7, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial