HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-05 Minutes CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
5:00 P.M., MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2005
• TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING MINUTES
I. Call to Order: The hearing was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Beaudet.
Present: Councilmembers Abrahamson, Doerr and McComber. Staff present:
Administrator Johnson, Attorney Vierling, Finance Director Holst. Absent:
Councilmember Swenson.
H. Truth in Taxation Hearing
Finance Director Holst reviewed the City's budget process and noted that the
2006 budget must be adopted by December 28, 2005. Finance Director Holst also
reviewed expenditures and outlined expenditures mandated by the state such as
elections, pay equity and recordkeeping. Proposed expenditures increased by
6.9% due to fuel, insurance, salaries and transfers out.
Finance Director Holst reported that the tax levy increase proposed is 14.2% and
the median value of property increased 8.3% county wide. Holst compared the
tax levy increases since 2001, noting factors that affect property taxes.
Tom Hunninghake, 6407 St. Croix Trail North, expressed concerning over rising
property taxes and asked what the City is doing to be fiscally responsible. Mayor
• Beaudet explained that the cost of government rises and other cities implement
fees to avoid raising taxes. Oak Park Heights chooses to raise taxes rather than
charge fees that are not tax deductible and are not apparent to property owners.
City Administrator Johnson added that the state legislature is hurting cities by
granting tax breaks to Xcel Energy which shifts a greater amount of the tax
burden to home owners. Administrator Johnson urged Mr. Hunninghake to
contact legislators about Xcel Energy tax relief.
Councilmember McComber, seconded by Mayor Beaudet, moved to close the
Truth in Taxation Hearing. Carried 4- 0.
Councilmember Doerr, seconded by Councilmember Abrahamson, moved to set
the date for Budget adoption for December 12, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Carried 4 — 0.
H. Adiournment
Councilmember Doerr, seconded by Councilmember Abrahamson, moved to
adjourn at 5:50 p.m. Carried 4 — 0.
Respectfully submitted, Approved as to Content and Fo ,
ie Johnson 0avieaudet
Administrative Secretary Mayor