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Mrs. Helling replied that the amount for 1992 is $209,000 and the amount certified for <br />1993 is $215,0(X) which would be about a $6,(X)0 increase. However, if the City receives <br />the amount certified, it would be the first time in three years. <br /> <br />Ms. Dahlgren asked if the City had been meeting its budget. <br /> <br />Mrs. Helling answered that the City has balanced budgets because of all the cuts made <br />(e.g., positions funded and not filled, new equipment or replacements not purchased, etc.). <br />The budget is balanced but at the expense of the long term. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to introduce <br />the ordinance granting Anoka Electric Cooperative and Anoka Municipal Electric Company <br />a franchise for electric distribution systems. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Peterson, Beyer and <br />Hardin. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Zimmerman. <br /> <br />Case #8: Introduce Franchise Fee Ordinance <br /> <br />Mr. Uhrhammer representing Anoka Electric, Mr. Pat Lynch and Mr. Greg Elden, <br />representing Midwest Gas were present. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that this ordinance would levy a fee upon revenues achieved by the <br />utility companies. He stated that Staff is recommending a 3% levy within the residential <br />class of utility customers. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated there has been discussion among Councilmembers about a <br />circuit breaker tax credit for qualifying, low income families. <br /> <br />Rebecca Lemke, 14361 Uranium Street N.W., Ramsey - inquired where the resident <br />would apply for a low income credit. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that the Budget Committee dealt with that issue with regard to the <br />City's utilities and directed the Finance Office that if certain income criteria is met, the <br />utility could be reduced. If Council directs same with regard to reducing the franchise fee, <br />the resident could apply at City Hall. <br /> <br />Fred Stretar, 14284 Waco Street N.W., Ramsey - inquired if the fee could fluctuate or if a <br />level will be put on it. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that a 5% ceiling was suggested which is the case in all suburban rate <br />ordinances. <br /> <br />Doug Fountain, 15255 Garnet Street N.W., Ramsey - stated the distribution of the fee <br />should be spread to residential, business, farms and the bookstore. The entire tax should <br />not be imposed upon residential users only. <br /> <br />Jim Wyman, 14141 Magnesium Street N.W., Ramsey - inquired of the utility companies if <br />they approached the City of Ramsey to propose this ordinance. <br /> <br />Mr. Uhrhammer stated that the utility company asked for the franchise ordinance not the <br />franchise fee ordinance. The franchise ordinance would define the relationship between the <br />City and the utility company. He stated that Council deterrrfined in September that it would <br /> <br />City Council/November I0, 1992 <br /> Page 7 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />