2017.12.12 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

September 12, 2017 Page 4 of 7 Mayor Johnson stated she would like to see all of the LGA funds moved in one year. Councilmember Burg supported the Resolution as written as it would allow the Council some level of flexibility going forward. Councilmember Bauman appreciated the fact that this Resolution was separate from the budget. She questioned how the budget would be impacted by the proposed Resolution. Finance Director Davitt explained this Resolution would ensure at least $100,000 would be dedicated to the Streets Program annually. Each year the Council would have the option to move $100,000 or the entire portion of LGA. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 3. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Proposed Tax Levy for Taxes Payable 2018 and setting the meeting dates for the 2018 Budget Discussion with Public Comment and the Determination of the Final 2018 Tax Levies. Motion by Councilmember Strub, seconded by Councilmember Burg to approve a Resolution adopting the proposed preliminary tax levy for taxes payable in 2018 and setting the meeting date for the 2018 budget discussion with public comment and the determination of the final 2018 tax levies . City Manager Lotter indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt explained MN State Statute requires all cities in excess of 2,500 in population, to adopt a preliminary tax levy and budget by September 30th for the upcoming fiscal year. Once the preliminary levy is adopted it can be lowered but not increased. This proposed tax levy will be used by Ramsey County to prepare parcel specific tax notices which are mailed to every property owner within the City later in November. The City is also required to certify the dates selected for our “Budget Discussion with Public Comment” meeting, and the meeting when the final tax levies are determined, to Ramsey County on or before September 30th. It is recommended that the 2018 Budget Discussion with Public Comment meeting be held Tuesday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m. The final 2018 budgets and tax levies will be adopted during the regular City Council business meeting on Tuesday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. It was noted the City Council received the 2018 City Manager Recommended Budget at the Council Worksession on August 16th, 2017. This was followed with subsequent discussions at the August 22nd and the September 5th Worksessions where Council directives and goals were discussed. The City Manager’s Recommended 2018 General Fund Budget is $15,859,270 which represents an increase of 4.98% over the 2017 Amended Budget. She commented on the Council’s desire to reduce its reliance on LGA. It was noted New Brighton’s tax levy was second lowest when considered to comparable cities. She was pleased to report the City’s tax base was anticipated to grow by 10%. She provided further comment on the proposed General Fund Budget and noted how the median value homeowner would be impacted. Staff reviewed the proposed revenues and expenses for 2018 and recommended approval of the preliminary tax levy. Councilmember Burg thanked staff for their thorough presentation. She believed the proposed budget and tax levy would mee t the level of services and demands of New Brighton’s residents. She commented that reductions could be made to the budget and tax levy over the coming months. She was proud of the fact the Council was working to become debt free for its future streets program. She requested further information on the City’s tax base growth and how this would impact taxpayers. Finance Director Davitt explained the real value of property within the City of New Brighton has increased, which was a benefit to all taxpayers. Councilmember Bauman thanked staff for their presentation. She explained she had a different view on budgets and indicated she would like to see a zero -line base budget. She commented that not all homeowners are impacted by the budget like the “median value homeowner”. She noted the City collected property taxes along with franchise fees from its tax payers. She believed it would be nice for the public to understand the City was proposing no cuts. She understood that the economy was starting to recover, but commented that 3. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Proposed Tax Levy for Taxes Payable 2018 and setting the meeting dates for the 2018 Budget Discussion with Public Comment and the Determination of the Final 2018 Tax Levies.