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Mr. Schroeder replied Staff would have to cut $43,000 out of the budget. <br /> <br />Ms. McAloney inquired if it would be wise to look at what to cut in case they do not want <br />any increase at all. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that the new police officer will increase the budget by $43,000. to <br />freeze taxes would put the City in the hole. He added that depending on how you count, <br />cities are ranging at 20 to 25%. With this, Ramsey will be at 19%. We are not the lowest <br />but this is a reasonable tax capacity rate. <br /> <br />Sergeant Gustafson inquired when Council had to make up their minds. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder replied on September 12th; then on December 13th, the budget has to be <br />adopted. He added this is what we will be using for the truth in taxation hearing. We have <br />until November 30 for that. The levy has to be adopted by December 30. He stated he will <br />be asking for formal approval on December 13. It does not get adopted at the public <br />hearing so the public's comments are heard before any decision is made. By November <br />15, we have to have all of our recommendations for a balanced budget in tact. He asked if <br />anyone had a problem with an 8% increase - it boils down to a 6.7% increase, realizing that <br />the recommendation should be less than that. He stated that it can be reduced but it cannot <br />be raised. <br /> <br />Ms. McAloney inquired about doing a resolution proposing a 4.5% levy. <br /> <br />Ms. Hart stated that if City Council decides to make a change and put something back in, <br />then you have no working room. You would have to find new revenue. It's been the <br />recommendation by two Councilmembers to adopt something more than that. <br /> <br />Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos inquired what if a business burns down and they decide to <br />move to Anoka - we would be short taxes. He asked if that's one of the reasons for the <br />"cush". <br /> <br />Ms. Hart stated they would still be liable for taxes for the entire year. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued about it being election year and not wanting to vote on an increase. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated Staff recommends this budget but that we will try to get it down. <br />Any second-time homeowner will not see it as a big deal. Maybe some homeowners come <br />from a bigger tax rate area; however, the first time home buyer or one who has lived in <br />their home a long time will notice it. <br /> <br />Mr. Gustafson stated he believes any one who votes on education should be somewhat <br />educated. <br /> <br />Ms. Hart stated she thinks they look at the increase and the City is the most accessible. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder again asked about the 8%. <br /> <br />Ms. McAloney felt we should pass what we think will happen. My opinion about the <br />"cush" is - if you wanted to add something you have to cut something. <br /> <br />Senior Accountant Gomez stated "they do not listen to us any way. I do not live here - it <br />does not come out of my pocket". <br /> <br />Staff Budget Meeting/September 7, 1994 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />