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2018-12-03 Truth in Taxation Hearing lb�rtvi��� �.T«���.��R„�.. TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING December 3, 2018 APPROVED MINUTES ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL 6:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Ma or Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Y ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Cocking, Hudson, and Olson Absent: Vetsch Staff present: City Administrator-PWD Adam Nafstad, Finance Director Tina Lannes, and City Clerk Kimberly Hodena Others present: Mary and Jerry Baron, Bonnie LeVasseur, Jamie Fitzgerald, Jan McLean, Carol and Russ Simon, Cornelio Morales, Wendy Merila, Rebecca Halling, and Lauryn White TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING Lannes gave a presentation on the proposed levy and 2019 budget. She highlighted the changes to both revenue and expenditures. The total increase to the levy is 2.99°Io. Nafstad welcomed members in the audience and explained that taxes go to three entities: the city, the school, and the county in which a person pays property taxes. He explained that all three entities must hold a public hearing and he welcomed comments. Mayor Hendrickson opened the public hearing and called for comments. Jan McLean, 10931 57t1i Street NE, stated that residents of the Cottages have seen taxes go up significantly the last several years and they are concerned as many of the seniors are on a fixed income. She stated that the homeowner's association(HOA)pays for snowplowing, lawn maintenance, and weed control. Residents of the Cottages asked for a reduction in taxes for their development. Cocking inquired what the average increase is for Albertville's portion of the taxes and Lannes � replied approximately $50. Cocking explained that far Wright County's portion, the proposed i levy increase is over 17%. He felt that 2.99°Io was modest and fair. McLean inquired if taxes ', could be reduced specifically just for the Cottages. Nafstad replied that it is based on the ��I assessed valuation of each property. He explained the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization , City Council Truth-in-TaJcation Minutes Page l Meeting of December 3,2018 that is held in the spring where residents can contest the valuation of their property and he encouraged the audience to attend that meeting as well. Jerry Baron, 11011 57�' Street NE, stated that he soon will not be able to afford living in Albertville due to increasing taxes. He stated the largest growing homeless population is becoming seniors that are on a fixed income or only receiving Social Security. He felt they are paying for services that they are not actually receiving as Ms. McLean pointed out. Cocking explained property taxes being based on valuation, not income. Hudson further explained the city can only go by the authority that is granted to them by legislature. Hudson described the need for the city to maintain services both now and into the future. At this time, the only recourse the Council has is to lower the proposed levy increase. Ideally, the goal is to set up future Councils for success so there doesn't have to be a double digit increase in the future. He stated the legislature doesn't allow for the capacity to treat seniors differently. Baron felt that Albertville is no longer the"friendly" city. Cocking felt it is beneficial to hear resident comments when they are developing the budget. Bonnie LeVassuer, 10925 57`t`Street NE, would like to see the meeting time moved so it is not the same night or right before the school boards hearing. McLean stated that many in their development were unable to attend the meeting due to health and mobility reasons, so they are representing them as well. Lannes informed the audience that residents can always call or submit written comments for staff to share the Truth-in-Taxation for Council to hear if the resident is unable to attend. Cocking informed the group that Councilmember Vetsch, who is absent this evening, does advocate for the group and often informs Council of resident's concerns. Motioned by Cocking, seconded by Olson, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Hendrickson, Cocking, Hudson and Olson. Nays:None. Absent: Vetsch. MOTION DECLARED CARRIED. ADJOURN Motioned by Cocking, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. Ayes: Hendrickson, Cocking, Hudson and Olson. Nays:None. Absent: Vetsch. MOTION DECLARED CARRIED. Respect lly su mitted, . '�/�G��''� �� Kimberl� odena, City Clerk City Council Truth-in-Taxation Minutes Page 2 Meeting of December 5,2016