HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 12-03 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 3, 1997
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 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 Council
Secretary LeAnn Larson.
PRESENTATION
City Manager McCauley explained the purpose of this meeting, that being to give the public
an opportunity to make comments and ask questions regarding the proposed levy and budget.
By state law, the Council may not take action to adopt the budget at this meeting.
The City Manager announced that the final budget would be adopted at the December 15, 1997,
Council meeting at City Hall at 7 p.m. A hearing on the budget will be held at that time.
City Manager McCauley gave an overview of the 1998 proposed General Fund budget and
preliminary levy. In comparison of actual operating budgets from 1997 to 1998, there is a 2.60
percent increase in revenues, including a 2.31 % increase in real estate taxes. With the police
and fire bonds, total revenue will increase 8.75 percent (including a total tax levy increase of
14.47 %).
Mr. McCauley stated that the Earle Brown Heritage Center projects operating self - sufficiency,
the Golf Course projects cash flow of operations in order to retire principal on debt, the
Economic Development Authority is moving along on the 53rd Avenue and Linkage Project,
and the figures for the liquor stores will need reworking as the year progresses and plans are
made to review the recently received study, as well as the dislocation of the Brooklyn
Boulevard Liquor Store due to construction of a new fire station.
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Mr. McCauley noted the shift in tax burden from commercial properties to residential
properties. Residential properties are making up a larger percentage of the total tax burden due
to changes in state law reducing tax capacity rates for commercial and industrial properties.
Mr. McCauley also noted that the impact of the police and fire bonds is levied on market value,
instead of tax capacity.
PUBLIC INPUT
A motion was made by Councilmember Lasman to open the public hearing. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Carmody and passed unanimously.
Nancy Carlson, 6024 Aldrich Avenue North, questioned the Administrative Services charge
in the budget. The City Manager explained that portions of salaries were allocated to Enterprise
Funds for their share of administrative, finance, payroll, and similar costs.
Ruth Johnson, 5616 Colfax Avenue North, noted an on -going code enforcement issue of a
neighbor.
Dan Remiarz, 6201 June Avenue North, asked about the bond issue. The City Manager
responded and described the recent bond issue.
Councilmember Hilstrom stated she would vote NO on the budget due to several unresolved
issues:
1) Health and safety issues involving the wading pool in the Community Center haven't
been addressed.
2) The reliance of the police budget on $100,000 from inspection fees generated by
Brookdale redevelopment, which may not happen.
3) The Earle Brown Heritage Center lacks a solution to capital improvements required by
the structure, parking problems, and a business plan.
4) There is uncertainty concerning the City's liquor stores.
5) There is an increase in the amount budgeted for civic events.
6) The tax increment financing district for Earle Brown Heritage Center is $150,000 short.
Councilmember Hilstrom suggested outcome -based funding that the City spend smarter. She
stated we need to measure progress through results rather than effort.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Carmody to close the public hearing. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Lasman and passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Carmody and seconded by Councilmember Lasman to adjourn
the meeting at 7:55 p.m. passed unanimously.
City Clerk Q Mayor
Recorded and transcribed by:
LeAnn Larson
I
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