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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-01 Council MinutesDocument 6.b. December 11, 2003 Agenda Prepared by Kary Tillmann, Clerk/Treasurer CITY OF CORCORAN TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DECEMBER 1, 2003 1 The Corcoran City Council met on December 1, 2003 at City Hall in Corcoran, Minnesota, for the purpose of the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Present were Councilors Bucher, Gageby, Guenthner, Lymangood, and Thomas. Also present were Administrator Vergin and Clerk/Treasurer Tillmann. Mayor Guenthner called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Mayor Guenthner advised that the purpose of the hearing was to discuss the 2004 budget and tax monies that are levied by the City in order to operate and provide services to residents and property owners. The City is required by State Statute to hold this hearing. Staff would present a summary budget and there would be opportunity for public comment during the hearing. MOTION by Bucher, seconded by Thomas, and carried unanimously to approve the agenda as presented. Administrator Vergin provided an overview of the proposed 2004 Budget and Levy, and the tax impacts from payable 2003 to payable 2004 based on the proposed levy. Discussion was held regarding changes impacting the 2004 budget, and the difference between market value and tax capacity. Further discussion ensued regarding sewer and water access charges and who would be responsible for those expenses once established. The following public comments were received: Tom Spiczka, 9103 Cain Road – Feels that an increase of only 2.83% shows diligence on the part of the Council and staff to keep expenses down. Feels that the levy increase should be less with all the growth Corcoran has experienced over the last year. Would encourage Council to strive to find additional avenues to inform the public of what is happening in the City. Feels that City is doing a good job, but more public involvement is necessary. Feels that the budget is too important for only a handful of people to attend this hearing. Ken Kluck, 21800 County Road 50 – Questioned if the City has explored the possibility of contracting with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department for police coverage instead of adding another Corcoran Police Officer for 2004. Bill Halverstadt, 6420 Old Settlers Road – Agrees with comments regarding the police coverage. Questioned the amount of the Police Department Budget for 2004. Administrator Vergin replied that the annual budget for the Police Department is $458,983 for 2004. Steve Kohnen, 23240 County Road 30 – Feels that the City should be more diligent in trying to extend the life of current equipment instead of upgrading to newer equipment. Regarding Police Department coverage, Corcoran does not offer 24-hour coverage and it has been needed in early mornings or later in the day. Seems that Hennepin County responds. Feels that the Hennepin County Call to Order Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Purpose of Hearing Agenda Approval Overview of Proposed Budget Public Comments Document 6.b. December 11, 2003 Agenda Prepared by Kary Tillmann, Clerk/Treasurer CITY OF CORCORAN TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DECEMBER 1, 2003 2 Sheriff’s Department could offer a more cost effective service to residents and that Corcoran should not add another officer at this time for that reason. Gary Scharber, 7970 Strehler Road – Questioned how frequently the City evaluates its existing contracted services to determine if pricing is fair? Mayor Guenther added that the City re-evaluated Planning Services in December of 2002. Engineering, Legal and Building Inspection services have not been evaluated recently. Administrator Vergin added that current fees are comparable to what other cities are charged, but it is good to evaluate on a regular basis. Councilor Lymangood added that the budget for legal services is less in 2004 than it was in 2001. Mayor Guenthner also added that staff is evaluating how costs associated with future development could be borne by those that will benefit from those services, and not current residents. Funds are being expended from the City’s General Fund now, but those costs are being closely tracked and can be assessed in the future in the form of area charges. Councilor Lymangood added that the City received a large grant from the Met Council in order to update our Comprehensive Land Use Plan. However, many residents may not be aware of that, and may have the perception that the City funded the entire project. Councilor Gageby added that state law has mandated a great deal of what the City has done in regards to the Comp Plan. Rod Baakkonen, 7003 Rolling Hills Road – Requested additional information on the proposed expansion to the Police Department. Councilor Bucher provided an overview of the objectives of the Facility Committee and the reasons behind the expansion, which is primarily for the safety of employees. Bill Halverstadt requested information regarding the Civic Center and costs and revenues associated with its use and upkeep. Believes the intent of that addition was to be self-supporting. Further discussion was held regarding the valuation of improvement projects versus the actual cost. Audience members expressed concern that improvements are assessed based on market value and not cost of construction. Mayor Guenthner encouraged resident attendance at the Board of Review hearings in early spring if they have concerns about their valuation. Also suggested contacting the City Assessor for further information or discussion. Mayor Guenthner advised that formal consideration of the 2004 Budget would be held at the City Council meeting on December 18, 2003 Brief discussion was held regarding volunteers at City Hall and how volunteers are being utilized to save time and resources. Formal Consideration by Council on December 18, 2003 Document 6.b. December 11, 2003 Agenda Prepared by Kary Tillmann, Clerk/Treasurer CITY OF CORCORAN TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING DECEMBER 1, 2003 3 MOTION by Thomas, seconded by Bucher, and carried unanimously to adjourn the Truth in Taxation Hearing at 8:01p.m. _____________________________ Kary Tillmann, City Clerk/Treasurer Adjournment