Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Tossey stated specific businesses, such as commercial trucking businesses, do a <br />lot of damage to the roads and have an impact on roads maintenance. <br />Mayor Strommen stated franchise fees do not recognize the. impact of commercial traffic. <br />Commissioner Niska stated raised revenue is not tethered closely to the impact on streets. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated general property tax would be the most closely tied because <br />increased property tax would result in a higher portion of funding for roads. <br />Councilmember Riley stated the higher commercial rate for franchise fees could be considered a <br />pro. <br />Councilmember Backous stated that a pro for general property tax levy is that elected officials <br />are held accountable, and it is more transparent. <br />Commissioner Niska asked why property tax levy is considered unstable and inconsistent. <br />Mayor Strommen stated property values will fluctuate, which has an impact on revenue. <br />Commissioner Niska stated that should be listed as a con for general property tax. <br />Councilmember Backous asked whether a percentage of general property tax could be dedicated <br />to roads maintenance. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated he believes it can be done by statute. <br />City Attorney Langel stated he has not seen it done in the past, and he is unsure whether it is a <br />possibility. He agreed to research the legality of general property tax revenue dedicated to roads <br />maintenance as a next step. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated a dedicated percentage could be instituted through the Charter. <br />Commissioner Sivertson stated the funding would have to be nondiscretionary, and a percentage <br />would not be appropriate because it could be different every' time. <br />Chairperson Field stated the appropriate funding source needs to have transparency, and elected <br />officials should be held accountable. He added franchise fees are not transparent, and they have <br />no upper limit. <br />Mayor Strommen stated limitations could be added in the Charter <br />Chairperson Field agreed, adding terms or limits on the franchise fees could be imposed. <br />Commissioner Deemer stated the Charter requires franchise fees cannot be changed without <br />renewal. <br />City Council Work Session / November 19, 2013 <br />Page 10 of 15 <br />