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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 11-19 CCM Work Session with Financial Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA GENERAL WORK SESSION MEETING WITH FINANCIAL COMMISSION NOVEMBER 19, 2001 WEST FIRE STATION — TRAINING ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met for a general work session with the Financial Commission at the West Fire Station and was called to order by Mayor Myrna Kragness at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Bob Peppe, and Tim Ricker. Councilmember Nelson was absent. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, Fiscal and Support Services Director Doug Sell, and Deputy City Clerk Maria Rosenbaum. Financial Commission Members present were Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher, Financial Commissioners Jerry Blarney, Jay Hruska, Gavin Wilkinson, and Tim Elftmann. GENERAL FUND REVISIONS City Manager Michael McCauley discussed information on tax estimates from Hennepin County and the City Assessor. At this time it appears that the limited market value will result in the pay 2002 taxes being lower than the pay 2001 taxes on the same home in spite of the 20 percent increase in market value for most school districts. Without limited market value many homes would have a net increase in taxes payable 2002 due to the class rate changes that shift tax burden from commercial /industrial property to residential. The differences between school districts for total pay 2001 versus total pay 2002 real estate taxes reflects school referendum levies first appearing on the tax statement in 2002. This causes some residents to experience a net increase in taxes in 2002. Council discussed bond referendums and the amount of money for taxes that is determined by Hennepin County regarding taxes relating to the School Districts in Brooklyn Center. Mr. McCauley informed the Council that the School Districts have voter approved referendums and that makes a difference with the tax rates. 11/19/01 -1- Councilmember Lasman requested a summary of what the taxes would have been if the bond referendum had passed in School District No. 279, if possible. Mr. McCauley informed the Council that he would continue to refine the materials for the presentation on December 10, 2001. Mr. McCauley requested direction from the Council and Financial Commission regarding the information to be presented at the budget hearing on December 10, 2001. It was the consensus of the Council and the Financial Commission that the presentation should separate the four School Districts with the City's breakdown for taxes payable in 2002, with pie charts, and should be discussed with levy and aids explained individually. Councilmember Lasman expressed that she believes that the presentation needs to be easily understood, that the residents need to know what is happening with the attack on fiscal balances, and that the City may want to publish an article in the City Newsletter or have available at the budget hearing on December 10, 2001, information such as the League of Minnesota Cities did to explain the changes. Mr. McCauley informed the Council that he is proposing to increase the contingency fund to a total around $157,497 and that the increase be available for general contingency, possible security improvements, police overtime, and training upon City Council approval for the specific transfer of expenditure. He is also proposing to increase appropriations in Central Supplies for general training by $10,000 and Other Contractual Services by $4,000 to allow for the immediate ability to provide for materials and training as the need might arise. Mr. McCauley discussed that after reviewing the reimbursement from Other Funds that proposed a transfer from the Earle Brown Heritage Center (EBHC) to the General Fund to reflect some of the Assistant City Manager's time, he would like to remove that transfer. The money would be directed to the fiscal health of the EBHC and its capital needs. It was the consensus of the Council that these proposed changes were acceptable. OTHER BUDGET ISSUES Councilmember Lasman inquired if there had been any special training needed since the September 11, 2001, attacks that might need extra monies. Mr. McCauley informed the Council that the larger cities are sending staff to more training and that at this time the City of Brooklyn Center has not had to send staff to such special training, but may need to in the future. I 11/19/01 -2- MISCELLANEOUS Financial Commission Chair Donn Escher inquired about the Financial Commission's Annual meeting to be held in January. Mr. McCauley suggested January 17, 2002, and that he would check to see what room would be available. Mr. Escher noted that the meeting would start at 7:00 p.m. wherever it is held. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Ricker to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Tl /V u� City Clerk Mayor 11/19/01 -3-