CCP 09-23-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 9, 2014 certify the dates selected for the Budget Discussion with Public Comment meeting, and the meeting when the final tax levies are determined to Ramsey County on or before September 30'b. Staffrecommended that the 2015 Budget Discussion with Public Comment meeting be held Tuesday, December 2'u at 6:30 p.m. The final 2015 budgets and tax levies will be adopted during the regular City Council business meeting on Tuesday, December 9b at 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Bauman thanked staff for the presentation. She explained that she disagreed with the numbers and discussed the decreasing median income for New Brighton residents. She stated the middle income has gone down by 6 %. She did not want to see the City moving backwards with overspending. She believed that staff had to more closely review the budget by examining the City's needs versus its wants. She did not support City staff receiving COLA in 2015. She believed that there were a lot of people still suffering financially and she was in favor of further adjusting the budget to reduce the levy. Councilmember Jacobsen appreciated the Council's discussion on the 2015 budget and tax levy thus far. He appreciated the comparable scenarios provided by staff noting that New Brighton was proposing only a 1.92% levy increase. It was his opinion that New Brighton residents valued their services and as a taxpayer he was going to continue to wisely represent the City. He appreciated the realistic budget provided by staff given the economic climate over the past five years and stated he would support the proposed 1.92% tax levy increase. Councilmember Burg appreciated the comments made this evening by Council and the time staff has invested in the budget. She was pleased with the 1.92% levy cap. She provided further comment on Local Government Aid and stating this state aid measure was being offered in 2015 to assist with property tax relief. She supported the proposed budget and tax levy. Councilmember Strub believed that the budget and tax levy were reasonable, forward - thinking and respected the needs of the New Brighton residents. It was his opinion that the budget was a reflection of the vision for the City and he supported both the budget and tax levy. Mayor Jacobsen found the 2015 budget to be reasonable as well. He appreciated the discussion held by the Council this evening. Motion by Councilmemher Burg, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to approve a Resolution adopting the proposed tax levy for taxes payable in 2015 and to set the dates for the 2015 budget discussion with public comment and the determination of the final 2015 tax levies. 4 Ayes, I Nay (Bauman)-Motion Carried 3. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Proposed Tax Levies for Taxes Payable in 2015 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts. Report No. 14 -234. City Manager Lotter reported the City has established Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts within the City for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond. A Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing District is an area within the territorial limits of a municipality. The municipality may acquire, construct, maintain, and otherwise improve storm sewer systems and related facilities within the district for the benefit of the district. He explained the Public Works Department works with the residents of each district to determine specific projects and courses of action. The costs involved are recovered by levying tax on all taxable properties within the district. It was noted the City has adopted similar tax levies for both districts for a number of years. Staff requested the Council approve a resolution that adopting the proposed tax levies for taxes payable in 2015 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts. Mayor Jacobsen suggested. Motion by CouncHmember Burg, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to approve a resolution that adopting the proposed tax levies for taxes payable in 2015 for Lake Diane and Biecentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts. Page 4 of 5 3. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Proposed Tax Levies for Taxes Payable in 2015 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewerlmpnovement Taxing Distnets Report No. 14 -234.