Minutes - Council - 12/10/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Strommen thanked Charter Commission Chair Field and Charter Commissioners for the productive discussions held at the Joint Session that brought forward issues around transparency, accountability, amount of fee, longevity of the fee, and comparison of assessments and franchise fees. She felt the Charter Commission recommendation addressed the cap issue but was not prescriptive in how that cap would be calculated. Mayor Strommen stated the alternative language discussed at tonight's Work Session addressed additional issues discussed during the Joint Session. For the benefit of the high school students in attendance, Councilmember Kuzma explained this issue deals with instituting franchise fees (a tax) to fund road repairs and the need for a long -term solution. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to not introduce Ordinance #13 -26, Amendments to Chapter 10 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Ramsey, said Amendments Relate Generally to Franchises, and direct staff to draft alternate and refined Charter amendment language and open dialogue with the Charter Commission for their review and comment. Further discussion: Councilmember Tossey stated he will oppose the motion or any ability placed on the Council to collect more taxes from residents. He felt this amendment would be counter petitioned, resulting in additional costs to the City. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, LeTourneau, Backous, Johns, and Kuzma. Voting No: Councilmember Tossey. 6.02: Public Hearing on 2014 Tax Levy and General Fund Budget & Adoption of Final Levies and Budgets Mayor Strommen closed the regular portion of the City Council meeting at 7:36 p.m. in order to conduct a public hearing. Public Hearing Mayor Strommen called the public hearing to order at 7:36 p.m. Presentation Finance Director Lund presented the 2014 Tax Levy and General Fund Budget. It was noted the 2014 Final Overall Levy totals $8,564,341, a reduction of $159,000 from the preliminary levy. The 2014 General Fund Budget totals $9,750,135, with a final Tax Capacity Rate of 44.284% compared to 44.288% in 2013. She stated the budget is available for review on the City's website. City Council / December 10, 2013 Page 6 of 14