HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 12-01 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 1, 2003
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 Bob Peppe.
Councilmember Diane Niesen was absent and unexcused. Also present: City Manager Michael
McCauley, Assistant City Manager/Director of Operations Curt Boganey, and Deputy City Clerk
Maria Rosenbaum.
Councilmember Niesen arrived at 7:19 p.m.
PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED GENERAL FUND TAX LEVY AND GENERAL
FUND BUDGET
City Manager Michael McCauley explained the purpose of this meeting was to give the public an
opportunity to give input to the City Council 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 operating, debt,
and authority levies, State Aid Budgets, revenues, tax levies, major budget influences, General Fund
comparisons and operating budget, personnel reductions, tax implications, General Fund Revenues,
school district tax rates, estimated and limited market value comparisons, tax capacities, General
Fund expenditures, and the proposed franchise fees for gas and electric.
Councilmember Niesen arrived at 7:19 p.m.
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Niesen to open the Public
Hearing. Motion passed unanimously.
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Donn Escher, Financial Commission Chair, addressed the Council to commend the Council and City
staff for all the work done to get to this point with the budget. He believes that what is proposed is
fair and equitable.
Amy Luesebrink, 5557 James Avenue North, addressed the Council to discuss the issue of the Metro
Emission Reduction Program and inform that the decision is still pending. She wished to commend
the Council on the proposed budget and to ask that the Council consider a feasibility study of a
municipal electric utility as a goal.
Dan Remiarz, 6201 June Avenue North, addressed the Council to express concern about the tax
burden and to discuss previous year tax comparisons. Council discussed the previous year taxes and
the limited market value with Mr. Remiarz.
Councilmember Peppe discussed that the City is facing changing times and that because of the shift
with commercial and residential taxes the Council is doing what he believes is in the best interest for
all of those in the City and is working to streamline government. He informed that the Council had
discussed property values at their Council Retreats and that one of the Council's goals is to keep the
City in a position of positive growth.
Mayor Kragness discussed that she believes City staff had done an excellent job with the budget
preparation and informed that the Council does take the budget seriously.
Councilmember Niesen discussed that she believes that a lot of people have worked hard on this
budget and that the City has worked to hold the line on its own expenses.
Jeanne Hanson, 5806 Girard Avenue North, addressed the Council ask about the proposed franchise
fees and express concern about the taxes she believes are getting out of hand. Councilmember
Niesen thanked Ms. Hanson for coming before the Council and informed that the proposed taxes are
necessary and that some of the things were hard to vote on.
Jim Sullivan, resident of 53 Place, addressed the Council to discuss a newspaper article regarding
School District No. 286. Mr. McCauley discussed what the City is taking and what the school
district is taking for taxes will look different because of increased market values.
Councilmember Lasman informed that she appreciates all that had been said and discussed the
overall costs of running the City remains the same. She believes that the Council has been
conservative and is being fiscally responsible for every taxpayer.
Councilmember Peppe informed that the franchise fees will be flagged to come back before the
Council in four years and that the Council wants to be aware to look at alternatives.
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Wilbert Anderson, 5507 Irving Avenue North, addressed the Council to express his opinion
regarding the taxes for residents in School District No. 286; and to express that he believes the City
is having these budget problems because of the State.
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to close the Public
Hearing. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjourn the meeting at
8:37 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
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City Clerk Mayor
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