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December 1, 2015 Page 3 of 6 <br />2017. <br />Vern McPherson, 2209 Long Lake Road, explained he owns a small business in Circle Pines. <br />He questioned how the City could justify such a large tax increase while those receiving social <br />security received no increase. <br />Victoria Harder, 116 15th Avenue NW, stated she has lived in the City since 1965. She <br />indicated that the high property taxes in New Brighton were causing her to look elsewhere to <br />live. She encouraged the Council to do all it could to reduce property taxes. <br />Don Cable, 2036 291h Ave NW, stated that he did not support the increased franchise fee and <br />suggested the Council increase property taxes instead, as this amount could be written off for <br />tax purposes. He recommended the Council tax the public properly. He believed the increased <br />taxation within the franchise fees was backhanded and illegal. <br />Steve Danger, 1532 16th Terrace NW, discussed how his increased property value was leading <br />to increased taxes year after year even if the City had no new taxes. He indicated his <br />investment portfolio lost 4% last year and he feared that he would not be able to stay in his <br />home because of the City's high tax rate. He questioned how retired individuals were able to <br />pay $6,000 per year in property taxes. He understood the City needed funds to run the City; <br />however, he did not agree with where the Council has agreed to put all of its funds. He <br />encouraged the Council to be extremely responsible with the taxpayer's money. <br />Ray Tandesky, 999 Patten Road, agreed with Mr. Danger's comments. He stated he has lived <br />in New Brighton since 1960. He did not want to move away from the City, however, the <br />market value of homes continued to rise, in addition to property taxes. He believed there was a <br />disparity between the value on his home and the amount of taxes he was paying. <br />Mayor Jacobsen encouraged Mr. Tandesky to speak with a County Assessor regarding the <br />value of his home. <br />Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Burg to close the <br />Public Hearing. <br />5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried <br />The Budget Hearing was closed at 7:03 p.m. <br />Councilmember Bauman appreciated the comments from the residents in attendance. She <br />understood the concerns raised and also disagreed with the increased franchise fee. She stated <br />no cuts were made to the budget. She discussed how the City has borrowed from reserves or <br />used LGA in order to cover costs. She explained the City would be collecting close to $1 <br />million in franchise fees in order to assist in covering expenditures. It was her fear that City <br />expenses would only continue to rise, in addition to utility rates and franchise fees. She was <br />frustrated by the budgeting process and believed that more cuts could be made. She discussed <br />how the private sector was closely monitoring its expenditures in order to remain afloat. She <br />commented that the budget and its expenditures would only continue to rise going forward. <br />She encouraged residents to pay attention to the actions of the City and to contact her if they <br />were interested in holding a dialogue regarding the budget. <br />A round of applause was offered by some members in the audience. <br />A member of the audience discussed his concern with the City and its spending. <br />Mayor Jacobsen called for a point of order. He understood residents each had their own <br />