HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 12-05 CCM Truth In Taxation Budget Hearing MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
TRUTH IN TAXATION BUDGET HEARING
DECEMBER 5, 2005
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met for the Truth in Taxation Budget Hearing and was called to
order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Kay Lasman, and Mary O'Connor.
Also present: City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt
Boganey, Fiscal and Support Services Director Dan Jordet, and Deputy City Clerk Camille
Yungerberg. Councilmember Diane Niesen was absent and excused.
PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED GENERAL FUND TAX LEVY AND GENERAL
FUND BUDGET
City Manager Michael McCauley explained the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the increase
in property taxes and the purposes for which taxes were being raised and to provide the public an
opportunity to give input on the proposed budget, ask questions, and receive answers on the
proposed budget and levy. By State Law, the City Council may not take action to adopt the budget at
a meeting at which it takes public input.
Mr. McCauley presented a PowerPoint presentation and provided an overview of the proposed
increase in property taxes and the specific purpose for which property tax revenues are being
increased. During the presentation the following were summarized:
• Property tax levy for all sources reflects a 2.72% increase of levy for the General Fund
Operations.
• Major budget influences including 2005 -2009 increased pension costs, increase of $133,000
in State Aid for 2006, loss of $1.68 Million in State Aid for 2004; loss of an additional
$335,000 in State Aid for 2005; and the loss of $3.2+ Million in HACA and LGA in 2002-
2006.
• General Fund Operating Budget being maintained at 2004 levels with police patrol at full
strength; fire operations at current levels plus full time clerical support; and providing for
modest technology funding.
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Mayor Kragness inquired as to the number of homes still receiving the Limited Market Value
benefit. Mr. McCauley explained that most homes are receiving the Limited Market Value benefit,
which is determined by the State of Minnesota.
Councilmember Carmody moved, and Councilmember Lasman seconded to open the Public
Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
Richard Johnson, 6431 Toledo Avenue North, stated the Limited Market Value explanation was
vague. Assistant City Manager /Director of Operations Curt Boganey responded the State of
Minnesota establishes the maximum amount of increase. He explained that if the value of the home
actually increases faster than the limit established by the State of Minnesota, then the taxable value is
stopped at the rate of increase.
Dan Remiarz, 6201 June Avenue North, distributed a spreadsheet outlining City Taxes in
comparison to County Taxes of several neighboring cities and stated concern for future increases.
Nancy Carlson, 6024 Aldrich Avenue North, discussed Tax Increment Financing, stated
dissatisfaction with the amount of taxes paid by residential verses commercial, handling of taxes for
Earle Brown Farm, and lack of funding to the School Districts.
Jeff Lewis 5732 Knox Avenue North, stated the 17% increase on his property taxes is high compared
to other communities. Mr. McCauley responded by explaining possible reasons for the increase.
Richard Johnson, 6431 Toledo Avenue North, inquired about who decided to put the weight of taxes
on residential properties instead of commercial properties. Mayor Kragness responded the weight
distribution is determined by the Legislature.
Councilmember Lasman moved, and Councilmember Carmody seconded to close the Public
Hearing.
Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Carmody moved, and Councilmember Lasman seconded to adjourn the meeting at
8:11 P.M.
Motion passed unanimously.
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City Clerk MayoQ
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