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I I I Council Meeting Minutes December 8, 1993 Page 5 Public Hearin~. continued Walter Martin, 2439-17th Avenue, feels the residents should have had the opportunity to vote their preference for the Family Service Center. Benke said the City made that decision to implement an agreement with the school district so that New Brighton families will be able to receive services which will make a positive influence on the family and the community. The Family Center will provide support and services to trouble families which will then in turn provide cost savings in the long run by preventing future problems effecting the community. Paula Alexander, 2S-the Avenue, said her property taxes have increased over 100% since 1988. Benke explained that the market value which the County Assessor's Office has determined for a specific property has a great impact on its property tax amount. Benke is a strong advocate of property tax reform. Egan confirmed that the Assessor's Office notices residents every February of their intent to change a property's valuation. At that time, a resident is able to administratively challenge this evaluation at a special hearing. Williams requested staff to provide the list of criteria which the County uses to assess property values. Fulton said it is likely that the County utilizes a computerized formula to assess property values; and that staff will request information regarding the valuation process. Williams said persons residing in the #282 School District received a larger tax increase for their school district portion, than residents in the #621 School District. Dick Loscheider, 566-4th Avenue, feels the City should decrease their mill rate so that the City portion of property taxes would be decreased. Benke confirmed that the City's tax levy for the general operations budget has decreased. Benke added that if the City had not decided to go forward with the Family Service Center, there would be no increase in the City's portion of the taxes. State Representative Geri Evans feels there should be a heavier reliance for the use of income or sales taxes to fund educational concerns. She noted that resident who have received an increase of over $300 or 12 % may be eligible for a refund. Williams added that according to his tax statement, the services he receives from the City equal about $1 per day. Williams noted that the Minnesota State Income Tax forms contain a section relating to a property tax circuit breaker for qualifying persons. Benke explained that the budget will be considered for formal adoption on December 20, at 7:30 p.m. Residents requesting additional information should contact the Finance Department at 633-1533. There were no further comments from the audience. Motion by Williams, seconded by Gunderman, to CWSE THE HEARING. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Hearing w~.etoseaal:-9:00 p.m. -a~L Roben J. e , ayor A~~~~ MargaretA. Egan.!;i . qeli