HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-12-02 Council Special Meeting MINUTES
OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL
ON DECEMBER 2, 2002 AT 5:00 P.M.
ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Housh, Hovland and Mayor Maetzold.
Members Kelly and Masica were absent.
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING HELD FOR PROPOSED 2003 CITY
BUDGET Pursuant to published notice given, the Edina City Council conducted a
public hearing on the proposed property tax increase in the 2003 Budget for the City of
Edina, as mandated by Chapter 375, Laws of Minnesota 1993.
Mayor Maetzold stated the purpose of the Truth in Taxation hearing would focus on
the proposed 2003 City of Edina Budget. The budget review relates to the monies'
source and how they are expended on the various functions and services of the City.
Residents with questions relating to the valuation placed on their homes should plan to
appear at the Board of Review in April of 2003.
Manager Hughes noted this was the second step in the budget adoption process. The
Council has already adopted a maximum levy in September and later in December will
adopt the actual budget and levy. Mr. Hughes reviewed the 2003 proposed
expenditures of $23,857,719. He explained this would be an increase of $1,153,380 or
approximately 5.08%. Tax revenues must increase $794,219 or 4.67% from 2002 to
support the proposed expenditures. It was noted that the City of Edina receives 21% of
the property tax bill, with 34% going to local schools, 39% going to Hennepin County
and 7% to other taxing entities.
Mr. Hughes noted that the major reasons a homeowner might see an increase in their
taxes include spending/levy decisions made by the city, county and school districts;
and "non-spending' factors that adjust the tax burden shared by different types of
properties. He elaborated stating the City's tax levy increased by 4.67% (including debt
service levy), the County's levy increased by 5.8% and the Edina School District levy
increased by 16.5%. The Hopkins School District increased by 18.6% while Richfield
School District's levy decreased by 2.8%. Mr. Hughes reiterated that the valuation of
commercial property was significantly down, while residential valuation is higher so
the tax burden has shifted.
Mayor Maetzold pointed out that regardless of the total valuation of the City, the total
budget would be levied at a specified amount and that remains the same. He added that
the monies spent by the City directly benefit citizens through: fire and police services,
street maintenance, and park and recreation.
Major changes in the 2003 budget were reviewed and the property tax impact on both
residential and commercial property discussed.
Member Housh asked where the enterprise revenue contributions were recorded. Mr.
Hughes explained they were recorded under miscellaneous revenue in the General
Fund.
Member Hovland asked if Edina's revenues by type have been compared to those of
contiguous communities. Mr. Hughes stated that because Edina gets no LGA (Local
Government Aid) surrounding communities would show much higher percentages of
intergovernmental aid. He added that the City does receive about $700,000 of market
value homestead credit as a pass through from Hennepin County. Mr. Hughes said
that most likely this aid will be lost in the future due to the State budget deficit. Mayor
Maetzold commented that the enterprises also contribute to the City's General Fund
Revenue so that also would skew percentages.
Member Housh asked what made up the IGA (intergovernmental aid) shown in the
City's revenue. Mr. Hughes explained that the City receives Police Aid (based upon
number of sworn police officers) Municipal State Aid (gas tax) and County Health Aid.
Public Comment
Jared Scribner, 5925 Abbott Avenue South, asked what were the major changes in
spending as they related to his personal property tax. Mr. Scribner stated he was
having difficulty matching the percentage increase of the City's budget to his proposed
tax statement. Mr. Scribner also asked how a homeowner would initiate an
improvement project in their area if they desire. Finance Director Wallin explained that
the overall change in the City's budget would be the 5.08% increase, but an individual
tax statement could reflect a different percent increase because the City levies a total
dollar levy that is then spread over the total valuation. The levy does not change, but
the burden on one individual property may change to the shift in valuation from
commercial to residential. Mr. Hughes explained the petition process for initiating
improvement projects to Mr. Scribner.
Jeanette Swofford, 6017 Kaymar Drive, asked what would be the expected average
increase in taxes for 2003 and why there would be an increase. Mr. Hughes reviewed
the median value $242,000 home's proposed property tax for 2003. The total tax would
be $2,402, which reflected a $377 or 12.46 percent increase. The City's share of the total
tax would be $752, which would be $48 or 6.82% higher than in 2002. He noted the
figures were estimates only. Mr. Hughes added that the increase in taxes would be
related to increased spending by the City, County and School Districts as well as shifts
in the property tax burden. Mr. Hughes referred Ms. Swofford to the printed materials
available that explained the reasons behind the difference in greater detail.
Member Hovland made a motion to close the Truth In Taxation Hearing. Member
Housh seconded the motion.
Ayes: Housh, Hovland, Maetzold
Motion carried.
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, the Mayor adjourned the
meeting at 6:00 p.m.
A-0 X 1,2,
Cry Clerk