Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember McGlone suggested it would save time if Public Works employees did not have <br />to bring back the City vehicle before going to lunch to which Director of Public Works Olson <br />stated that that is optional. <br />Finance Officer Lund presented seven properties within the City in different wazds and showed <br />examples of what happens to the homeowner with regazd to taxes paid based on certain <br />increases. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated that his objective is what is actually coming out of one's pocket. <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he understands this tax increase but we have some tough <br />decisions to make. We have road improvements to make and if we keep it down, we will at <br />some point need to make it up. We need to do some funding on infrastructure. The general <br />public will see that as necessary. It would be a good idea to start planning for that. <br />Mayor Ramsey commented that in 2011, properties will drop in value but in 2012, it will start <br />coming back up again. <br />Councilmember Look commented that all indications say commercial properties have not been <br />hit yet. It's irresponsible to raise taxes on people who aze losing jobs and losing money. There <br />are road construction needs but things will have to get pushed back. City vehicles purchases will <br />have to get pushed back -that's the way it has to be. Roads will have to be maintained a little <br />longer - it's a great time to do construction but we have to push it back. <br />Councilmember Dehen stated he agrees but the problem is we are trying to get this area built out <br />and if we let infrastructure go, people will pass us by. We aze trying to create momentum - <br />infrastructure is not a place to try and cut dollazs. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated we have cut staff and added more expectations. We cannot <br />continue to cut staff and add services. Something will have to go. Everything else is rising. We <br />either stay at par - we add - or we start cutting services significantly. <br />Councilmember Look stated we have done things we have had to do in these hard times. We <br />have to maximize efficiencies and it may take out of box thinking to do it. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated we provide basic services and he did not know if we want to cut back on <br />services. We should be keeping our taxes at the same level -most people would be happy if <br />they do not have to pay more. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated that, as the economy got worse, he made a lot of changes in his <br />own personal and business life. Ninety percent of the general public understands these things. <br />It's okay to ask these folks to tighten their belts and added that he is fine with closing some of <br />our parks. <br />City Council Work Session -June 29, 2010 <br />Page 3 of 10 <br />