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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 />Adiournment <br />Adiournment 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 />/ ari Niedfeldt-Thomas, Mayor <br />1 ATTEST: �` <br />Terri Spangrud, Cler <br />