2020.09.08 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 8, 2020 Page 3 of 5 Finance Consultant Davitt stated Minnesota State Statute requires all cities in excess of 2,500 in population, to adopt a preliminary tax levy by September 30 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 that 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 30. It is recommended that the 2021 Budget Discussion with Public Comment meeting and adoption of the final 2021 budget and tax levies be held during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. The date, time and place for the scheduled public hearings will be included on the County’s parcel specific notices. The City Council received the 2021 City Manager Recommended Budget at the council worksession on August 4, 2020. This was followed with a subsequent budget discussion at the August 25, 2020 worksession along with the CIP presentation and discussion at the September 8, 2020 worksession. The City Manager’s Recommended Preliminary 2021 General Fund Budget is $18,451,900, which represents an increase of .32% over the 2020 Adopted Budget. She reviewed how the City’s levy measures up to comparable cities, noting New Brighton had the second lowest levy. She described how the levy was utilized by the City and discussed how the median value single- family homeowner would be impacted by the proposed tax levy. She provided further comment on the preliminary tax levy for 2021 and recommended approval. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned how much the City had broadened its tax base. Finance Consultant Davitt reported TIF District 20 came off last year, which helped in broadening the City’s tax base. Councilmember Jacobsen thanked staff for the thorough presentation on the preliminary budget and tax levy. He appreciated how diligently the Council had worked to limit increases in 2021 in order to lessen the tax impact on residents. Councilmember Allen stated COVID-19 has presented challenges to individuals and cities. He stated he appreciated the City’s strong financial position and discussed how this would benefit all residents going forward. He indicated some people were really struggling at this time. He encouraged the State consider proposals that have bipartisan support that would lower property taxes for seniors. He stated he was proud of the budget and looked forward to the City hiring a Racial, Equity and Inclusion staff member. He appreciated the fact that the Council supported this hire in 2021. Mayor Johnson reminded residents that when they receive their property tax statement that this statement includes, City, County and school district taxes. A roll call vote was taken. 4 Ayes, 0 Nays-Motion Carried 2. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Proposed Preliminary Tax Levies for Taxes Payable in 2021 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts. Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Allen to approve a Resolution Adopting the Proposed Preliminary Tax Levies for Taxes Payable in 2021 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts. City Manager Massopust indicated Finance Consultant Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Consultant Davitt stated 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 2. Consideration of Resolution Adopting the Proposed Preliminary Tax Levies for Taxes Payable in 2021 for Lake Diane and Bicentennial Pond Storm Sewer Improvement Taxing Districts.