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Mr. Mevisson stated that the price of his house did not go up 5 percent. He inquired again <br />if it is projected that his taxes will go up 20 percent again in 1996. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that only 5 percent of that 20 percent is what the City has <br />control of and that 5 percent has been somewhat stable over the last few years. <br /> <br />Roger Meyer, 7350 - 175th Avenue N.W., Ramsey, stated he understands that more <br />people and improvements need more services but he stated that the amount has gone up 50 <br />percent. He asked how the City could justify this. He suggested that different villages get <br />assessed different ways. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that up until three years ago, the City of Ramsey had its <br />own City assessor and added there are assessing guidelines for everyone. <br /> <br />Mr. Meyer felt that the guidelines go by whomever is doing the assessing and some cities <br />are getting hit harder than others. He asked if the City was really growing that fast to <br />experience a 50 percent increase. He saw the biggest increase in personnel. He stated <br />there is a 25 percent increase on the police force. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that the City is looking at the cost of outfitting squad cars. <br />As we add officers, we have to add space, cars, etc. The City needs to provide its officers <br />with updated equipment. He added that the City has gone through an analysis to determine <br />at what point to take vehicles out of service. <br /> <br />Mr. Meyer stated he understands all that but questioned if the City has really grown 50 <br />percent. <br /> <br />City Administrator Schroeder stated that the expected population by the end of 1995 is <br />estimated to be 16,500. In 1990, the population was 12,400. <br /> <br />Mr. Meyer stated that most of us are concemed about how taxes have gone up and added <br />that it's not just the City. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that in 1989 and 1990, the City's budget was at an artificially low <br />number - it makes things look exponential. He explained that Ramsey is among the lowest <br />of the cities in staffing levels, dollars spent for staff, total dollars per capita expenditures <br />and total budget itself. <br /> <br />Mr. Meyer stated that he is close to retirement age and if taxes continue to increase at this <br />rate, he will not be able to afford to live in this county. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated to Mr. Meyer that when he was younger and had a young <br />family, he had a lot more needs than he does now - parks, etc. He explained the needs of <br />the young families moving into Ramsey and stated he feels the 5 percent increase is "in the <br />ball park". <br /> <br />Jim Prody, 14770 Fluorine Street N.W., Ramsey, noted page 11 in the informational <br />packet Staff disseminated and questioned how the area-wide increase could be 5 percent <br />and the City of Ramsey's increase be approximately 6.9 percent. <br /> <br />Ms. Hart stated it is because of the make up of various areas in the taxes. The top figures <br />are the maximum levy but what's budgeted for the City's share is 3.93 percent. Council <br />will adopt the level they feel will service the City's needs. The top equates to what the troth <br />in taxationnotices were sent out at. She added that most people are showing a valuation <br />increase also. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hardin stated that the numbers in the lower part of that page are based on <br />the balanced budget Staff brought to City Council. The numbers on the top would exceed <br />City Council/Budget Public Hearing/November 30, 1994 <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />