1996-12-04 Council minutes Truth in TaxationPage No. I
December 4, 1996
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Adjourned Meeting
Held Wednesday, December 4, 1996
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the adjourned meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, was held at 7:30 o'clock P.M. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order at 7:40 o'clock P.M. The following members were
present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Huber, Koch, Krebsbach and Smith.
Mayor Mertensotto informed Council on airport issues and negotiations with the MAC on a contract
which, by state statute, must be signed before the en of the year. He stated that unless negotiations are
completed and a contract is developed before December 17, it may be necessary to conduct a special
meeting.
BUDGET/LEVY HEARING Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of
conducting a Truth In Taxation hearing. Council acknowledged a
letter from Dr. Tom Koepke regarding his thoughts and concerns for
the community. He then turned the meeting over to Treasurer
Shaughnessy for review of the proposed levy and budget for 1997.
Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed the Truth in Taxation hearing
requirement and process. He then informed Council and the
audience on the 1996 and proposed 1997 General Fund budget. He
explained that the originally proposed budget reflected a 2.6%
increase over 1996 but, after revision, is now proposed to be 1.85%
over 1996. He reviewed a comparison of tax rates for the city,
county, school district and metro agencies from 1993 through
proposed 1997, stating that the city's tax rate is among the lowest
tax rates in the metro area. He reviewed proposed revenues and
expenditures for 1997 and stated that while the overall tax rate from
the city is down from 1996, individual property values influence
whether individual property taxes will increase or decrease.
Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed an overhead on property tax
comparisons showing statistics from the 1996 Citizens League
Survey and a Pioneer Press study on estimated 1997 taxes for the
metropolitan area. He pointed out that Eagan and Mendota Heights
are the only two cities included on the Citizens League which
receive no local government aid. He then reviewed enterprise fund
revenues and expenditures, discussed the formulas used in
determining charges for public safety service to neighboring
communities and informed Council on the status of the internal
service fund.
Page No. 2
December 4, 1996
i
Treasurer Shaughnessy informed the audience that while Council
will receive comments and discuss the proposed budget and levy this
evening, action to approve the levy and budget must be deferred to a
subsequent hearing to be held at 5:00 p.m. on December 11.
Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the
audience.
Dr. Tom Koepke reviewed his letter, offering suggestions for added
service and capitol equipment. In addition to discussing his letter,
Dr. Koepke asked that Council keep the city's options open with
respect to "downtown" Mendota Heights. He stated that a great deal
of study needs to be given to both sides of the T.H. 110/149
intersection and asked Council to avoid being pressured into making
a decision on the use or turn -back of the unused Mn/DOT right -of-
way. Dr. Koepke stated that he is very pleased with the street
upgrading which has occurred in Friendly Hills, complemented the
city's staff and stated that he feels his property taxes are a bargain.
Mayor Mertensotto thanked Dr. Koepke for giving Council his
comments and concerns and for participating in the hearing. He also
expressed his appreciation to city staff, stating that the city operates
with a very lean staff to process the workload which is why the
city's budget can be kept down.
ADJOURN There being no further questions or comments, Councilmember
Krebsbach moved that the hearing be adjourned to 5:00 p.m. on
December 11.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:50 o'clock P.M.
ATTEST: athleen M. Swanson, City Clerk
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor