1993-12-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes December 8, 1993 Page 4 Public HeariDll. continued Gunderman questioned why 40% of the property values in New Brighton received a decreased valuation. I Egan said the valuation changes resulted from a comparison of 25 factors which are used by the County Assessor. Gunderman asked what cost savings are realized when contractual services are used for janitorial services. Egan said the four individual janitorial contractors service the Fire Station, Maintenance Garage, Park Building and City Hall. Gunderman asked if these contractual fees are equal to or less than current City employee salaries. Egan confirmed that the change to outside contracting for City Hall janitorial services relates to a 40% reduction. Benke thanked staff for their excellent presentation. The City budget is a result of year-round and five year analysis developed by staff and Council. Rebelein added that one way to assess your property taxes is to divide your tax amount by 365 and that will give you the cost for City services received per day. Gunderman requested information regarding user fees generated by the Brightwood Golf Course and Brighton Crossings Driving Range. Park and Recreation Director Maurie Anderson said the City has operated the Brightwood Golf Course since 1979. In that period of time, the City has managed to cover its operating expenses and pay for all capital improvements. In 1997, the original debt for the property's purchase from Ramsey County will be paid in full. This will leave an additional $40,000 which will be turned back to the General Fund. I The driving range is in its second year of operation, and ended this year with a net profit of $5,000. Even though this is a modest profit, it is projected that this amount should continue to increase over the next ten years. Dick Loscheider, 566-4th Avenue, noted concern that his proposed tax statement showed an increase of 19% in his property taxes. He is a senior citizen and is concerned that he will need to sell his home if taxes continue to increase. Rebelein added that the City's increased amount reflects decreases in State aid which the City receives. Benke noted that the City has decreased the General Operations budget, however, the City does not have control over State aid amounts and the County Assessor's property valuations. Rebelein added that the City has no control over the outside forces which cause increased taxes. Mr. Loscheider noted that the Family Service Center will funded by taxpayers. Mike Martin, 2611 Wexford Lane, feels that many of the services provided by the City are excelle~ however, he feels the Community Development Department's services are substandard and should be contracted out. Benke noted that because New Brighton's needs are focused in redevelopment, the development efforts become more specialized. Benke accepted Mr. Martin's comments. Stan Smith, 518 Inca Lane, feels the City manages its budget well. His overall property taxes have increase 90% since 1986; but the City's tax portion increased a lessor amount than the County and School District portions. He suggested that the City become more involved in collaborative efforts widI neighboring cities to provide for cost savings. Benke noted the optiml'7~on study performed in 1991 which study collaborative efforts with neighboring communities. The study found that the neighboring cities have been sharing services, staff time and equipment for some time. Gunderman said the oprim17$on study flnrlinv. showed that the City's current method of operations is considered less expensive than collaboration efforts with other cities. Benke feels that an administrative overburden is created when service collaboration occurs between cities. I