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Chairman Greenberg stated that the next item on the agenda was a presentation <br />of Tax Structure by Councilman Arnie Cox. <br /> <br />Councilman Cox presented charts showing what has happened to the tax structure <br />in Minnesota during the last 10 years. He stated that the cost of government <br />has doubled in the last 10 years, that the private citizen complained and the <br />homestead tax credit evolved. But, government did not lessen the taxes, they <br />were shifted to the businessman and the renter, and as a result the businessman <br />had to raise his prices. The homeowner thinks he is getting a break but he~s <br />still paying the taxes through higher prices. Is it any wonder that businesses <br />that keep up with the taxes are going bankrupt? Homesteaders who think they <br />are getting a good deal are not and are being misused by government. The tax <br />burden has been shifted to commercial, renters and open lots, which is away <br />from the pulse of the voters. Minnesota is one of the highest per/capita <br />income in the Nation, and after taxes we rank 44th in the Nation. Our whole <br />process of taxation is so irregular and the private citizen should be informed <br />as to how he is being misused. <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg stated that the intention of the Economic Development <br />Commission is to promote economic growth. He also commented that input is <br />needed from business persons in the community and if they have any questions <br />or comments, they could contact any one of the Commission memebers. Chairman <br />Greenberg informed the audience that the Commission meets the second <br />Wednesday of each month at 7:30 A.M. He stated that the next regular meeting <br />will be November 10, 1982. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Schmidt to adjourn the regular meeting of the Ramsey <br />Economic Development Commission. <br /> <br />Councilman Cox stated that it would be very responsible for the business <br />community and the Economic Development Commission to schedule a meeting and <br />explain to the private citizens that they are being misused by the government <br />by means of the homestead credit. Councilman Cox further stated that any <br />business person wanting this tax structure/homestead credit issue presented <br />to his employees need only ask and he will gladly cooperate. <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg stated that most citizens do not realize this problem and <br />one of the functions of this Commission is to get some publicity out and <br />get to our legislators. The present tax structure prevents growth. <br /> <br />Natalie lHaas commented that it would help if an alternative to homestead <br />credit could be arrived at, that there are many older people on a fixed <br />income and doing away with the homestead credit is frightening to them. <br /> <br />Commissioner Astrid Guy seconds the motion to adjourn. <br /> <br />The Economic Development Commission meeting adjourned at 9:29 A.M. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br />Sylvia Frolik <br />Council Secretary <br /> <br />Lloyd G. Schnelle <br />City Administrator <br /> <br />EDC/October 13, 1982 <br /> Page ~ of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />