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1997. We are now starting to receive tax dollars from the latest housing boom. We should <br />be able to plan a little more accurately our revenue from these. LGA has been relatively <br />stable for the last four years. Our population has increased 26 percent. Growth no longer <br />impacts aid. <br /> <br />Upon inquiry, Mr. Schroeder stated that in a lot of cities the five and ten year plan tums out <br />to be a wish list. This is not so in the City of Ramsey. If it's included in the five to ten <br />year plan, there is also a funding source identified for it. In the 1980's, taxes were at a <br />lower level and the City was paying for expenses in an on-going fashion. However, there <br />was no money set aside for future plans. Now we are doing that ~ we think we have the <br />riscal ability in future years to handle our plan. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hardin commented that the commercial property taxes are higher, <br />therefore, it's paramount we continue to bring in quality businesses to promote the tax <br />base. <br /> <br />Ms. Hart stated that the City's current tax base is approximately 3 percent commercial and <br />97 percent residential; however, 30 percent of the dollars is from commercial. <br /> <br />Mr. Connolly inquired when the developer comes in to subdivide, is that when the City <br />looks at it for taxing. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that we pay attention to that and project what revenue we will be <br />receiving in future years. We do not manipulate anything. <br /> <br />Upon inquiry, Ms. Hart stated that at the time of plat filing, the status of the property <br />changes. As a property gets built up, the tax value changes. <br /> <br />Mr. Connolly felt that only about a year should be lost between the time of development <br />and the collection of taxes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hardin explained that the tax valuation notices received in 1994, the value <br />is for 1995 and the tax is payable in 1996. <br /> <br />Ms. Hart stated that the final platting at the County is basically the final step. There is no <br />property status change until then. <br /> <br />Mr. Thurston stated that in platting a property, State Statutes dictates how it's added on. It <br />has to be Phased on unless the property is built on. That's the law - the phasing is done <br />over a three-year period. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that the landfill is in it's final state of closure. In the <br />1980's and early 1990's, the City received money from there. We do not have the landfill <br />anymore but we also do not have the revenue from it. The second item that cost the City a <br />large sum of money was the adult bookstore. That piece of property has cost the City a <br />significant amount of dollars in lawyers fees, planning fees, etc. The decision to fight the <br />bookstore has received positive feedback from residents and he added that the City may still <br />end up in Supreme Court. <br /> <br />Mr. Daeger asked about allowing resident's comments in the Ramsey Newsletter. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated that the City tried to have an editorial section in the Newsletter <br />years ago and it ended up in a lawsuit. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hardin stated there is a chance for residents to be heard during the Citizen <br />Input part of the City Council meeting. He added that if a resident is unable to attend a <br />meeting, but would like to be heard, a letter may be sent to City Hall with the direction that <br />it should be read during Citizen Input. <br /> City Council/Budget Public Hearing/November 30, 1994 <br /> Page 5 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />