2014-12-01 CC Minutes TNTA�1bertville
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TRUTH -IN- TAXATION HEARING
December 1, 2014
APPROVED MINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Sorensen and Wagner
Absent: Council members Olson and Vetsch
6:00 p.m.
Others present: City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, Finance Director Tina Lannes, City
Clerk Kimberly Olson, and Council member -elect Walter Hudson
TRUTH -IN- TAXATION
Lannes gave a presentation on the proposed budget and levy for 2015. She provided a historical
look at the budgets and the percentage of change in the levy for the last several years. She stated
the proposed levy is $3,497,147, which is an increase of 5.97% from last year. The operations
levy increased 6.22% or $149,197 and the debt levy increased 5.30% or $47,826. Lannes
reported operations were increased due to the addition of a full -time Fire Chief, a midyear hire of
a Public Works employee, and additional law enforcement coverage.
Sorensen inquired about the increase in the debt levy. Lannes stated they were able to review all
the bonds this year and the payments will remain relatively flat from now until at least 2023.
Lannes provided several charts outlining how and where tax dollars are distributed and listed the
changes to revenue and expenses.
Hendrickson opened the hearing for public comment.
Hudson inquired of the Council and staff what drives the increase in the levy. Lannes replied
there are several factors such as debt repayment (bonds), cost of living increases for supplies and
services, and the continued provision of essential services to the public. She stated the city also
has to continue to increase funding for city streets and infrastructure to keep of up with
maintenance and repair needs.
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Nafstad also added that in past years, especially during the recent recession, reserve funds were
used to fund projects and now need to be built back up. Nafstad also stated that they have been
trying to fund smaller projects and equipment replacement internally.
Wagner stated that during his time on the Council, the City has constructed three new buildings
and that is quite an undertaking, but was needed. Sorensen also stated that revenue from
building permits went way down and that is a huge impact on the City's budget and levy.
Hendrickson stated they also need to repay the SAC fund which had been used to fund other
projects and it must be done before the Wastewater Treatment Facility needs to be upgraded.
There were no further comments and Hendrickson closed the public hearing.
ADJOURN
Motioned by Sorensen, seconded by Wagner, to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Sorensen, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent: Olson and Vetsch. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
i
imberl A. Olson, City Clerk
Truth in Taxation Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2014 Page 2