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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes • September 12, 2000 Page 5 1 Mayor Cavanaugh opened the Public Hearing at_8:47 p.m. and invited comments from the audi- t ence. Cavanaugh noted that the levy will be increased by 7%, but he could not elaborate at this 3 point on how that would impact the residents. 4 Hearing no response from the audience, Cavanaugh closed the public hearing at 8:49 p.m. 5 Motion by Thuesen to approve Resolution 00-067, a Resolution Setting the City of St. Anthony 6 Proposed 2001 Tax Levy and Budget in Compliance with the Truth in Taxation Act. 7 Motion carried unanimously. 8 Horst stated it should be noted that there are items that go into this levy review as to why the 9 levy is going up, and also this is the maximum:that the Council is setting and has the possibility 10 to go down if necessary. In other words, this-levy is being set as a target. Further, Horst wished 11 to note that 7%is a rather modest increase and in looking at neighboring communities, it can 12 range as high was 29%. Additionally, in the City's budgeting process for this year, there have 13 been some decreases as well. He noted that he is not interested in cutting funding to Police and 14 Fire and that this is an issue that should be discussed further. Hodson asked for Mr. Larson to show the residents the levy survey 16 Thuesen noted that a 7.0% levy increase, in comparison to the metro area, is reasonable. Further, 17 he noted that the budget was adjusted downward and that cuts were made in areas of public 18 safety (proposed). He believes that issue needed to be discussed about the merits and wisdom of 19 cuts. He noted that a person's taxes could go higher, but that would be based on the valuation. 20 He realizes that no one wants to pay more taxes,but as valuations rise, it is a sign of a healthy 21 community. 22 Horst inquired when the proper time would be to discuss the cuts in certain departments. 23 Morrison recommended that the Council should hold a work session to discuss those issues fur- 24 ther. 25 Thuesen agreed with Mornson's recommendation because it was obvious that all of the Council- 26 members are not on the same page with this issue. Horst noted he felt uncomfortable with a 27 budget that reduces the fire and police department's funds. He thinks the public would be inter- 28 ested in those figures as well. 29 Cavanaugh stated that since many residents.were'.in attendance, he would hold a discussion on 30 this issue now. He continued by reviewing for the residents the process of producing the budget 46 1 and the expenses and revenues expected. He expressed his option that the community should be involved in the budget process and noted that he would welcome a discussion from the depart- 33 ment heads.