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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 12-14 CCM Truth-In-Taxation Budget Hearing i 'i 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 14, 1994 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Todd Paulson at 7 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Todd Paulson, Councilmembers Celia Scott, Kristen Mann, Dave Rosene, and Barb Kalligher. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Finance Director Charlie Hansen, Director of Public Services Diane Spector, City Assessor Mark Parish, and Council Secretary Barbara Collman. TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING The City Manager explained the purpose of the hearing was the presentation of the 1995 proposed budget for public comment. He noted the City Council cannot take any action on the budget at the hearing sessions, but must act by December 20, 1994. The City Manager reviewed the calendar of events regarding the proposal of the 1995 budget. He welcomed residents to speak to the mayor and City Council on a personal level following the meeting if they would be more comfortable with that approach than with speaking publicly. The City Manager explained the reasons two similarly priced homes in different parts of Brooklyn Center might have quite different tax bills. He pointed out $.20 per property tax dollar goes to the City, which spends it for City services. For A TYPICAL HOMESTEAD, this amount would be $18.89 per month, or $226.64 per year. The Finance Director presented the proposed 1995 budget for the City of Brooklyn Center. He noted the reasons for the City's share increasing 5.1 percent. The City Manager stated booklets are available which explain the budget in more detail. There were no questions or comments from the public. 12/14/94 _ 1 _ Mayor Paulson mentioned the Council has reviewed and discussed the budget many times and is fully familiar with it. He indicated the Council and Staff is open to calls and comments from residents at any time. Donn Escher, chair of the Financial Commission, stated the Commission's position on the proposed budget had previously been provided to the Council. The City Council will vote on the issue on December 19, 1994. Mayor Paulson thanked the Financial Commission, commenting the members were a valuable resource for the City. There was a motion by Councilmember Kalligher and seconded by Councilmember Rosene to close the public hearing. Ruth DeFur, 6342 Unity Avenue North, asked how much taxes are increasing in each of the four school districts. The City Assessor noted the tax increases as follows: District 11, Anoka- Hennepin is 5.8 percent if adopted; District 279, Osseo, is 3.68 percent; District 281, Robbinsdale, is 3.58 percent; and District 286, Brooklyn Center, is 16.79 percent. Mayor Paulson questioned the higher percentage increase in District 286. The City Assessor noted three factors leading to the higher amount: 1) tax court reductions and abatements; 2) transportation issues; and 3) resources for special education. Richard Sutton, 6001 Bryant Avenue North, inquired whether everyone in the school district is taxed in the same way. The City Manager answered the City Assessor values properties equally, using the same appraisal system throughout the City. He noted the City Assessor could answer in more detail. Mr. Sutton asked whether the commercial properties are taxed in the same way. He also asked when commercial taxes are due and if different penalties apply. The City Manager said businesses are taxed at a higher rate than residential properties. The City Assessor explained residential homestead property taxes are approximately 1 to 2 percent of the market value. Commercial /industrial properties are taxed 6 to 6 -1/2 percent, and there are sub - classifications. All property taxes are due on May 15 and October 15. Higher penalties and interest charges are due for failure to pay by a business than would be charged a residential taxpayer. Earl Swenson, 6533 Ewing Avenue North, expressed concern over rumors the golf course's green fees will increase in 1995. He praised the quality of the golf course but noted fees have been raised recently with no obvious improvement. He mentioned Brooklyn Park charges lower fees for an equal golf course. 12/14/94 -2- I h l I The City Manager said he could look into the comparisons. The fees are based on costs plus original mortgage debt. The Finance Director stated the only fee which will increase in 1995 is the fee for a second round of golf. He added the course is not paid for yet and won ;t be for approximately 15 years. The motion to close the public hearing was called. The motion passed unanimously. The public hearing was closed at 7:30 p.m. The City Manager reminded citizens the Council and Staff would be available to speak privately following adjournment. Mayor Paulson mentioned a gathering this evening at Humboldt substation. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Kalligher to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Deputy City Clerk Todd Paulson, Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: Barbara Collman TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 12/14/94 -3-