HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 12-07 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 7, 1998
CITY HALL
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, Debra Hilstrom, Kay Lasman, and
Robert Peppe. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane
Chambers, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, City Assessor Stephen Baker, and Recording Secretary
Maria Rosenbaum.
PRESENTATION
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. 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 discussed the proposed General Fund levies for 1999 which provide the services such
as police, fire, streets, parks, recreation, inspections, and administration. Personnel costs represent
62.42 percent of the General Fund. Increased pension costs as salaries rise are solely the burden of
the City. Salaries and fringe benefits alone constitute $291,350 of the $317,350 budget increase.
This does not include a greater potential increase in fringe benefit costs that may result from the
recent arbitration award to the Teamster's Union employees.
Mr. McCauley discussed the total budget amounts for spending in 1998 and 1999. The General Fund
budget for 1998 was $13,187,566 and the proposed 1999 budget is $13,504,916, which is a 2.44
percent increase.
Mr. McCauley explained the property tax comparison from 1998 to 1999. The combined property
taxes for the General Fund, HRA, and EDA in 1998 were $7,687,124, and the proposed property
taxes for 1999 are $7,896,858. This is a 2.73 percent increase. Mr. McCauley reviewed a tax
computation on an $84,000 average market value property.
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Council discussed the tax statements received for 1999. Mr. McCauley suggested opening the public
hearing for public input and discussion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hilstrom to open the public hearing, seconded by
Councilmember Carmody. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan Remiarz, 6201 June Avenue North, addressed the Council in regards to his 1999 tax statement
and expressed he is confused about increase of City taxes. He attended a meeting at the County and
still did not understand the information given at that meeting. He did however learn of the program
"This Old House" and was wondering about more information on this program. Mr. Remiarz also
wanted more information on the bonds.
Mr. McCauley discussed the issues raised by Mr. Remiarz.
Council further discussed how properties are chosen for evaluations and how the properties are
calculated.
A motion was made by Councilmember Carmody to close the public hearing, seconded by
Councilmember Lasman. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. McCauley discussed the final budget will be adopted at the December 14, 1998, City Council
meeting. There will be no continuation of the Truth in Taxation meeting since the Truth in Taxation
Budget Hearing was completed. On December 14, 1998, there would be a subsequent hearing as
provided by state law.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to adjourn the
meeting at 8:06 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
jow-
City Clerk Mayor
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