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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for December 1, 2014 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />Otkin presented comparisons of Hugo's median house value and tax rate to other cities. The <br />average City tax rate of all 853 Minnesota cities is 48.751%, and Hugo's urban tax rate is <br />36.374%, which results in a tax different of 34%. Also, Minnesota cities receive on average <br />$567,093 in Local Government Aid, and Hugo receives none. Ron explained the desire of the <br />Council has been to keep a flat tax rate. Property values increased for the first time since the <br />housing bubble burst. Median homestead values increased 18.9% over last year; however, <br />commercial values decreased, which has shifted the tax burden to residential property owners. <br />Vern Voss, 15078 Glenbrook Avenue North, said his taxes have increased by 19.4%, which he <br />said was excessive. He said he realized it wasn't all due to the City, and he acknowledged the <br />city has done a good job. <br />Jim Ness, 6391 150th Street North, stated that the value of his home had dropped 35 % and the <br />tax rate only dropped 5%. Also, the cost of living has gone up 9.77% since 2008 but his taxes <br />are going up 28%. <br />Jim Barr, 7616 128th Street North, said he was at the meeting to learn more. He thanked Ron for <br />the presentation. Jim talked about the increase in his house value, and his taxes increased 42%. <br />Dan Peka, 5076 120' Street North, talked about the road project, which he voted against and cost <br />him $10,000. <br />There were no other comments, and Mayor Weidt closed the public hearing <br />The Mayor talked about the City's steady commitment to keep a steady low taxes. <br />Mayor Weidt made motion, Petryk seconded to approve RESOLUTION 2014-42 APPROVING <br />THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE 2015 FISCAL YEAR. <br />Ayes: Petryk, Klein, Weidt <br />Nays: None <br />Motion carried <br />Mayor Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2014-43 APPROVING <br />FINAL TAX LEVY PAYABLE IN 2015. <br />Ayes: Klein, Petryk, Weidt <br />Nays: None <br />Motion carried <br />Finance Director Ron Otkin encouraged residents to see if they qualify for the property tax <br />refund. <br />