2020.01.14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 10, 2019 Page 4 of 9 The Public Hearing was opened at 7:21 p.m. Don Gerlach, 73 20th Avenue NW, stated he has lived in New Brighton for over 23 years. He explained he did not support the proposed tax levy because it far exceeded the rate of inflation or the rate of how much income was increasing. He stated the City has increased the levy by 44% in the last four years. He commented he could not understand how a 10% increase was acceptable. He believed the proposed increase was too far ahead of the pace of residents’ income. He encouraged the Council to be responsible with the levy growth rate and have it closer to 5%. He understood the City had great parks, staff and public facilities but he stated he would like the Council to be more considerate of the public when it comes to taxes. Jeffrey Nelson, 690 8th Avenue NW, stated his house value went up 33% which meant his portion of New Brighton taxes would go up 33%. He reported his overall tax bill would be going up by 25.6%. He indicated this was outrageous. He indicated he has never received a 25% increase in his pay in one year and questioned how elderly residents were supposed to cover this large expense. He feared that residents his age would be forced out of the neighborhoods if the City continued to have tax increases that were approaching 10%. Mayor Johnson asked for additional comments, there were none. Motion by Councilmember Dunsworth, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to close the Truth In Taxation Hearing. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried The Public Hearing was closed at 7:27 p.m. Council Business 1. Consider Resolution Adopting the Final 2020 Tax Levy. Acting City Manager Massopust indicated Finance Director Davitt would be presenting this item to the Council. Finance Director Davitt stated the 2020 General Fund Budget receives 56% of its total revenues from property taxes. The City Council approved a preliminary 2020 tax levy of $10,384,400 on September 10. This represents an additional investment of $871,290 from the levy payable in 2019. The preliminary 2020 tax levy was certified to Ramsey County and used in their calculations for their parcel specific notices mailed to each property owner. Councilmember Burg encouraged the residents with double digit property value increases to contact Ramsey County. She requested further information from staff about the programs that were available to provide assistance with property taxes. Finance Director Davitt explained Ramsey County had a senior deferral program. She encouraged residents to visit Ramsey County’s webpage to learn more about this program. Councilmember Allen commented on how the value of homes in New Brighton was on the rise homes especially for homes valued at $300,000 or higher. Councilmember Jacobsen reported his house value went up 22% and his taxes would be going up by 18%. He indicated this was a great community to live in given the school district and services that were provided by New Brighton. He explained he viewed this as a double-edged sword because if he were to sell his home, the value would be higher, even though it meant his taxes would also be higher. Councilmember Burg stated the Council was apprehensive about the amount of money that was being set aside for debt free streets, but explained Council believed the long-term value to the City was worth the investment today. She described how staff worked to combine purchases and was innovative with requests in order to save the City money long-term. Councilmember Dunsworth explained her home was valued more than the median value home and she would be paying more in taxes. She reported she has looked through the budget through this lens. She commented one of the reasons the City had to have the proposed tax levy was because too many items were deferred during the lean years or recession. She understood the proposal was a lot, but noted the Council Business 1. Consider Resolution Adopting the Final 2020 Tax Levy.