CCP 01-08-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 4,2012 Page 2 of 4 from$14,829,941 for taxes payable in 2012, to $14,420,154 in 2013. This was a decrease of 2.76%. He noted the taxable value of median value single family homes decreased by 7.8% from$214,100 to $197,300. It was reported that as the value of single family homes decrease, the reduction for Homestead Market Value Exclusion increases. Staff reviewed how City property taxes are calculated and the amount a median home in New Brighton would pay. He noted the median home would have a slight reduction in property taxes. Finance Director Maiers then reviewed the storm sewer improvements planned for the taxing districts for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond. He commented these improvements were requested and would be paid for by the property owners. He indicated the Lake Diane taxes would be $2,250 and Bicentennial Pond would be paying $2,100 in 2013. Finance Director Maiers discussed the long-term financial plans for the City being to smooth out tax levies while avoiding erratic unpredictable trends. He stated the City would continue to follow Fund Balance Policy with regard to the "reserve" fund and would reduce taxes by using reserves to supplement annual debt service payments. The long-term financial plan does include replenishing the reserve funds. Finance Director Maiers stated the next steps for the Council was to determine if there would be any further adjustments to the budget. Otherwise, the Council would be approving the final 2013 tax levies and budgets on Tuesday, December 11th at their regular meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Staff then invited the public to make comments to the Council. Motion by Councilmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to open the Public Hearing. 5 Ayes,0 Nays-Motion Carried The Public Hearing was opened at 6:52 p.m. Walt Witzke expressed concern with the fact the City paid for a newspaper subscription to the Minneapolis Star Tribune for City employees seven days per week. This was an expense over $600 per year. He questioned if the taxpayers should be covering this expense or if the employees should bring their own reading material. He recommended the newspaper subscription be reduced to five days per week, or eliminate the paper altogether. Richard Moses reported the City employees were receiving a 2% salary increase in 2013. He questioned if the employees already had bloated salaries and recommended their pay rates be compared to the corporate world and not other city salaries. He discussed the lack or raises in the corporate world over the past few years. He recommended the pay raises be eliminated or that the employees take a pay cut, as this would show leadership to the industry. Rachel Nelson requested further information on the Homestead Market Value Exclusion. City Manager Lotter discussed the program in further detail noting the exclusion shifts who pays a portion of the levy. Mr. Witzke asked why certain services provided by the City, such as the golf course, license bureau or community center, were separated out on the budget. City Manager Lotter stated certain functions for the City operated through enterprise funds.