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I I I Truth in Taxation Hearing Minutes December 5, 1996 Page 3 Public Hearin~. continued Williams said the State establishes the tax rate which is identical throughout the state. Four public agencies rely on taxes to finance services and the cost allocation is as follows: New Brighton - 14%, county - 34%, school district - 47%, and other (watershed district, regional transit authority, and mosquito control district) - 5 %. Letters from W. Paul Rupert, 2621 lnnsbruck Court; and Terrance Post, 2810 Seminary Drive, were entered into the public record. Samuelson asked which budgetary area will receive the COPS grant. Egan said when the grant is received, it is held in reserves and awarded in 1998. Fulton said New Brighton has not been notified if the grant has been awarded, but historically the $75,000 grant is distributed over a three year period. Samuelson asked the number of 1996 FTEs. Egan said there were 113.5 FTEs in 1996, and the 1997 FTE reflects changes in the Police Department and the landscape maintenance position. Fulton confirmed that the landscape helper would be a seasonal position. Gregori asked if tax rates for neighboring cities have been determined. Egan has not received the new rates, and 1996 rates were used in the comparison. Ernie Utecht, 1485 - 16th Ter., stated that his 1997 taxes will increase by $144.86. Benke noted that increases stated in the Truth in Taxation notice were estimates. Egan confirmed that Utecht's estimated City portion was $32.60, and the further reduction in the City tax levy relates to a final City tax increase of $16. Dan V roman, 2418 - 17th Ave., asked what portion of the 4 % increase relates to valuation or tax rate. increases. Egan said the increase relates to the City requiring 4 % over the 1996 tax levy to operate, and does not reflect market valuation increases. Art Peele, 492 Rolls Rd., has seen his taxes increase each year since 1966, but has not seen increased City services. He noted poor winter street conditions which are hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles. Benke said the budget would have remained level, however, the Public Safety enhancements dictated the increase. Bob Hildreth, 1423 - 19th Ave., questioned why recent commercial developments have not reduced the need for tax dollars. Benke said many new commercial developments are located within tax increment financing (TIF) districts. Egan offered to personally review Hildreth's tax statement. Fulton said the City's 25 TIF districts encourage economic development, and without this mechanism many projects would not go forward. Public monies are invested into public infrastructure improvements which are repaid by taxes generated from that parcel. After the public investment is repaid, then taxpayers benefit from these projects. Williams said the TIF mechanism provides for positive investment in our City. The redevelopment of the area across from City Hall was achieved through the use of TIP. Joe Leon, 2973 Valerie Ln., commended the City for the decreased tax levy, but feels there have been reductions in services such as snowplowing, street maintenance, and police patrols. He feels Pridley takes better care of their streets than New Brighton. Truth in Taxation Hearing Report 96-257 A