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December 7,2021 Page 3 of 3 <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas noted some of the increase to property values was due to the tax rate, <br /> along with the fact the value of the homes has increased. Finance Director Foschi reported this <br /> was the case. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas requested staff provide the Council with information on what levies <br /> from comparable cities had EDA's, HRA's and voter approved referendums. <br /> Councilmember Axberg requested staff discuss LGA and how LGA impacts the City's <br /> finances. Finance Director Foschi reported most cities use LGA to offset levies. She <br /> explained New Brighton has phased LGA out of the general fund because it was not an amount <br /> set or promised. Rather this amount was set by the State and varied each year. City Manager <br /> Massopust discussed how LGA was calculated based on the age of housing, number of jobs in <br /> a City and population of a community. <br /> Councilmember Allen explained the City was using its LGA to assist with funding debt free <br /> streets. He noted this was helping the City long-term to reduce its dependence on outside debt. <br /> Finance Director Foschi reported LGA amounts were set by the State and did not anticipate the <br /> amount would increase, but could decrease. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas reported last year the Truth in Taxation Hearing was held on the <br /> same night the budget was approved. She indicated the Council changed that this year to allow <br /> for the public to make comments prior to the budget being approved. She stated per State rules, <br /> the Truth in Taxation meeting had to be held under very specific guidelines. <br /> Councilmember Allen discussed all of the criteria that went into calculating property taxes. He <br /> encouraged residents to appeal the value of their home with Ramsey County if there were <br /> concerns. He commented on the exemptions that were available to folks that were disabled, <br /> blind or veterans. He explained residents are wanting more from the City every year,which <br /> included investments in parks and inclusivity and this call came at a cost. He noted the Council <br /> pulled back in 2020 due to COVID and now the City was returning to normal. He discussed <br /> how Ramsey County had assessed home values, noting values of homes was on the rise which <br /> led to an increase in property taxes. <br /> Councilmember Abdulle explained he has worked for the government for a number of years <br /> and he understood the taxing system was difficult to understand. He reported this resonates <br /> with him. He understood this was even more cumbersome to those who were new to the <br /> system. <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas noted her observation over the past year having attended a full year <br /> of meetings and participating in the budget cycle. She indicated the Council has been listening <br /> to residents and was working to represent the priorities of the community. She encouraged <br /> residents view the Council's previous budget discussions if they would like further information <br /> on the 2022 budget. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Adjournment <br /> The meeting adjourned <br /> Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas adjourned the Truth in Taxation Hearing meeting at 7:28 p.m. at 7:28 p.m. <br /> Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas, Mayor <br /> ATTEST: <br /> Terri Spangrud, City Clerk <br />