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2016-12-05 Truth-in-Taxation MinutesA\1bertville �TUfa. TRUTH -IN -TAXATION HEARING December 5, 2016 APPROVED MINUTES ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, Finance Director Tina Lannes, City Clerk Kimberly Olson, City Planner Alan Brixius, City Attorney Mike Couri, Fire Chief Eric Bullen, and Water/Wastewater Supervisor John Middendorf Others present: Samara Postuma, Aaron Cocking, Chris Hansen, David Larsen, Kurt Sjohn, Andrew Helmich, Bonnie LeVasseur TRUTH -IN -TAXATION HEARING Hendrickson informed those present that the City of Albertville welcomes and encourages public input on issues listed on the agenda. Advertised public hearings are scheduled so the public is afforded an opportunity to speak. Presentations are limited to five (5) minutes. Citizens are asked to complete a `Request to Speak Card'. Bonnie LeVasseur, 10925 57th Street NE, addressed the Council about her concerns with her taxes that have gone up significantly. She stated that she lives in the Cottages of Albertville, which is a senior community. She stated that she is one a few that are currently working and not yet retired. She stated that if she is concerned about the increase in taxes, others who are retired must be feeling the effects as well. Lannes reviewed LeVasseur's tax statements for the last two years. She stated that the value of LeVasseur's home increased over the last two years by approximately $26,000. LeVasseur felt that she is not receiving any extra services and did not feel the value should be that high on the home. Lannes explained that any change in valuation is addressed in the spring during the Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting. Nafstad explained two factors affect the taxes; property value and tax capacity. City Council Truth -in -Taxation Minutes Page 1 Meeting of December 5, 2016 Lannes went through the presentation and covered the timing and calculation of the annual budget, historical changes to the levy, and changes in expenses and revenue. She stated the City Council had approved a preliminary levy increase of 2.94% at their meeting in September. Nafstad clarified that both residential and commercial properties would see the 2.94% increase. He stated that the levy addresses both operating and capital needs. He explained that operating costs include staff, vehicles, and inflation. Capital is used for planning for future replacement needs. Hendrickson addressed LeVassuer's comment that she had not received an increase in services. She explained that the city has hired a full-time Fire Chief and added an additional eight hours of law enforcement coverage daily, both which have been needed for some time. She encouraged LeVassuer to attend the spring Local Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting to discuss the value of her home. Lannes also encouraged LeVassuer to contact the Wright County Assessor's Office to view comparables and to be prepared for the spring meeting. Olson inquired how other properties are faring in the city in regards to value. Couri explained that usually when residential value goes up, commercial generally goes down. He stated this pushes back on the residential properties. Lannes explained tax capacity has gone up. Aaron James Kelhar inquired of Council what the money from the levy is used for. Hudson explained that during the budget discussions, they look at what is needed to cover the operating and capital costs. Then the valuation of a home is what is used to determine how much of the levy is a homeowner's responsible portion, i.e. what piece of the pie. Kelhar also inquired about talk of a second sheet of ice at the arena. Sorensen directed him to the school as it is now a school issue. ADJOURN Motioned by Sorensen, seconded byOlson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 p.m. Ayes: Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Wagner. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION DECLARED CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Ols , City Clerk City Council Truth -in -Taxation Minutes Page 2 Meeting of December 5, 2016