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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 8, 2003 Page 9 He noted the increase in the value of homes in the City was approximately 12%to 14%. He PP Y 2 stated residents were not getting back their investment. He asked Council to read the Tribune 3 article and analyze the benefits received by the City's residents. 4 5 Mayor Hodson closed the public hearing at 8:32 p.m. 6 7 Motion by Councilmember Faust, seconded by Councilmember Horst, to adopt Resolution 03- 8 102 setting the City of St. Anthony 2004 Tax Levy and Budget in compliance with the Truth-In- 9 Taxation Act. 10 11 Discussion: 12 13 Councilmember Horst stated he was as concerned as anyone and he had also seen the Tribune 14 article. He indicated it must be realized the City had two simultaneous infrastructure projects in 15 progress, which had been "put off"40 to 50 years. He added the two projects had unfortunately 16 both surfaced because the timing was right and the City was realizing a higher tax burden,which 17 would probably never happen again. He stated the argument would be justifiable if the City was 18 doing this every year. 19 20 Councilmember Horst noted the City would have the fire trucks it needed for the next ten years 21 and would have a fire station for another 40 to 50 years, along with a public works facility that was finally safe. He added a tremendous amount had been accomplished during the last four years, as the City had moved ahead further than in the last 30 years. He stated he hoped future 24 discussions would relate to the location of the fire station and not the need for a fire department, 25 as the Fire Department was an integral part of the community. He added further discussions 26 would probably be held regarding the location. 27 28 Councilmember Faust stated he felt Council and City staff were very up front with everyone 29 regarding the cost of the projects. He added he believed an opportunity presented itself that was 30 over and above what would be seen again concerning the public facilities. He indicated, in his 31 opinion, this was the right thing to do. 32 33 Councilmember Faust stated the infrastructure did not always wear out"on our timeline" and it 34 was difficult to program these improvements in a built-up community. He noted residents were 35 being heard and diligent work was being done on redevelopment. He cited Stonehouse, which 36 would become a taxable property, and the addition at Autumn Woods, which would add to the 37 tax base. He added it was unfortunate cities could not control the Legislature. 38 39 Councilmember Faust stated it was common to complain about high taxes but also complain 40 about services. He noted the City was trying to find"that happy medium,"as complaints were 41 taken seriously and different options were considered at goal-setting sessions. He added care 42 needed to be taken regarding what was implemented, as there was a reaction for every action. 43 He stated the City probably needed to do a better job of communicating with people. 0 -