HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023/12/04APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Truth In Taxation Meeting
December 4, 2023
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
6:00 P.M.
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL: Cermak, Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause.
NOT PRESENT: None.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, December 4, 2023, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, December 4, 2023, agenda as
presented.
Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Truth in Taxation Presentation.
Finance Director Bauman reviewed the proposed 2024 budget in detail with the Council indicating
it was the City’s mission to provide high quality public services in a fiscally responsible manner.
She discussed the variables that impact tax bills and described the process the City follows in order
to approve its budget and tax levy. She noted this meeting would allow the public a time to voice
concerns and explained the final budget would be approved by the Council at their Monday,
December 11, 2023 meeting.
Finance Director Bauman explained the proposed budget assumes a property tax levy increase of
6.5%. She reported the General Fund is the City’s operating fund and accounts for most city-wide
activities. She provided the Council with a summary on General Fund revenue and expenditure
changes, noting the use of fund balance has decreased. She described how property taxes were
broken down between the City, county and schools, as well as defining how the City utilized its
tax dollars. She compared the City’s proposed levy to the levy of comparable communities. Staff
Mounds View City Council December 4, 2023
Truth in Taxation Meeting Page 2
discussed how the proposed levy would impact the median value home owner and asked for
comments or questions from the City Council.
Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, requested comment from staff regarding last year’s levy
compared to the proposed levy. She asked what the levy increase was last year. Finance Director
Bauman provided Ms. Amundsen with further information on the General Fund budget for 2023
and 2024. She noted that the preliminary maximum levy that was approved in September was
7.54%.
Ms. Amundsen reminded the Council that 40% of Mounds View’s population was seniors. She
urged the Council to keep this in mind when proposing tax increases, noting these yearly increases
were impacting seniors on a fixed budget. While she fully supported the City having a top of the
line police department, she questioned if everything the City purchased had to be top of the line.
Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, questioned if the proposed 6.5% levy increase included
all of the other services. Finance Director Bauman reported this was the case.
Council Member Meehlhause questioned how much longer the fire bonds would be in place. City
Administrator Zikmund reported these bonds would be in place until 2026.
Judy Yellowstrand, 2071 Pinewood Drive, stated she did not have access to the budget presentation
on her computer. She asked if the levy would increase 8.5% or 6.5%. Finance Director Bauman
clarified the overall levy increase is proposed to be 6.5% or less. Further discussion ensued
regarding how the proposed levy had decreased from the preliminary levy that was approved in
September.
Ms. Yellowstrand questioned what the police officer levy was in 2023. Finance Director Bauman
explained this levy totaled $385,000.
Ms. Yellowstrand requested further information regarding the EDA levy. City Administrator
Zikmund reported the EDA levy was separate and totaled $100,000 each year.
Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, expressed concern with how the average household in
Mounds View would now be paying $100 per month or more in property taxes for the City. She
understood the City could not control the County or school district increases and commented on
how the proposed jump would adversely impact those living on a fixed income. She urged the
Council to take another look at the budget and tax levy in order to make cuts or reductions. She
commented on the EDA levy noting these funds were set aside to assist with economic
improvements. She understood the EDA levy used to be $150,000 and this amount has been
reduced to $100,000. She encouraged the Council to consider further lowering the EDA levy to
$50,000 given the current market conditions.
Chris Edmond, 2234 Bronson Drive, commented on the $97 per month that would be paid by
homeowners to the City. Finance Director Bauman stated this was an average or estimate for a
median value homeowner.
Mounds View City Council December 4, 2023
Truth in Taxation Meeting Page 3
6. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 4, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial