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Community Development Director Gladhill stated he does not have that information available <br />tonight but he could provide it to the Council. <br />Mayor Strommen suggested providing that number at next week's meeting as well as a listing of <br />projects on the horizon. <br />Councilmember Tossey asked whether the entire $226,000 increase in personnel costs was for <br />COLA. <br />Finance Director Lund explained it is a combination of COLA, step increases, insurance <br />premium increases, PERA rate adjustments, and new position changes. <br />Mayor Strommen asked the Council whether it was comfortable with the proposed budget. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he was not comfortable and would like more information on <br />position changes. He stated he has no suggestions for reductions other than eliminating the <br />EDA. <br />Mayor Strommen stated the road costs are a big piece of the increase, noting one goal was <br />financial stability to keep the rate close to the same as last year while also adding money to cover <br />some of the road costs. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated a home valued in 2014 at $100,000 will be valued at $115,000 in <br />2015. For that 15% increase in home value, that property owner will pay $196 in taxes <br />(Ramsey's portion) and receive all services plus road reconstruction. He felt that was a better <br />deal than if franchise fees had been instituted because in that case, the same property owner <br />would have paid $192 in franchise fees plus property taxes. <br />Councilmember Kuzma noted if that property owner was assessed at 20% for a road <br />improvement, the cost would be more than $192. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated it will still be lower than with franchise fees. <br />Finance Director Lund stated with eliminating the HRA, those personnel costs are being <br />absorbed into the EDA and General Fund, which is also part of the increase. <br />Councilmember Backous suggested that also be highlighted during the public presentation. <br />Mayor Strommen agreed, noting it is a significant increase and will explain the numbers. <br />Councilmember Tossey asked if last year's tax capacity rate is shown on the notice that property <br />owners receive. <br />Finance Director Lund stated it is not. <br />City Council Work Session / September 2, 2014 <br />Page 4 of 9 <br />