2023-12-04 Truth in Taxation Minutes
ALBERTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
TRUTH-IN TAXATION HEARING MINUTES December 4, 2023 – 6:15 pm
Council Chambers
Albertville City Hall
1. Call to Order
Acting Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Roll Call
Present: Acting Mayor Olson, Councilmembers Hayden and Zagorski
Mayor Hendrickson arrived at 6:17 pm
Absent: Councilmember Cocking
Staff Present: City Administrator Nafstad, Finance Director Lannes and City Clerk Luedke
3. Truth-In Taxation Hearing
Finance Director Lannes provided an overview of how the property taxes are calculated and the
budget process works. She presented the historical levy data and explained the 2024 revenue and
expense changes and reported the City approved a preliminary budget in September with a
proposed levy increase of 16.04% which equals an increase of $763,177. Director Lannes
explained the City’s 2024 Tax Capacity for both residential and commercial/industrial properties
and answered questions from Council.
The was Council discussion regarding the huge increase to the 2024 Wright County Sheriff’s
contract and the special assessment which added almost 7% to the City’s overall budget. They
also reported on meetings held with the Wright County Sheriff and County Attorney regarding
the contract increase where the Wright County Sheriff credited the large law enforcement
contract increase to providing competitive wages for their officers. The Council added at this
time, it was not feasible for the City to add their own police department.
Mr. Gary Van Wyhe, 10455 Karston Circle, Albertville, asked questions regarding the Wright
County Sheriff’s Department law enforcement contract, the negotiation process, and the City’s
police coverage.
City Administration Nafstad answered questions from Mr. Van Wyhe and provided additional
information on the Wright County Sheriff’s contract, the City’s police coverage and said the City
did negotiation with Wright County but changing the police coverage or officer wages was not
an option.
Ms. Karen Weber, 11001 57th Street NE, Albertville, asked why with more new businesses and
an apartment opening in Albertville that the tax levy was higher than surrounding cities.
Finance Director Lannes answered questions from Ms. Weber and said it would take two years
for the City to realize the investment value from the new businesses and the apartment complex.
Truth in Taxation Meeting Minutes Page 2
Meeting of December 4, 2023
City Administrator Nafstad provided information on other elements which factored into the
City’s budget and the levy. He also explained the City’s capital improvement plan and the items
included in it.
There was further Council discussion regarding the proposed 2024 budget revenue and expenses
and future capital improvements.
Adjournment
MOTION made by Councilmember Olson, second by Councilmember Zagorski to adjourn the
meeting at 6:57 pm. Ayes: Hayden, Hendrickson, Olson and Zagorski. Nays: None. Absent:
Cocking. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk