Laserfiche WebLink
that would benefit from this change in funding would be properties with values over $301,000. He <br />stated that property taxes are deductible, but franchise fees are not. <br />Brian Walker, 17289 Variolite St NW, asked for clarification on the line items within the <br />$1,900,000. <br />Finance Director Lund explained the items that added together equate to the $1,900,000. <br />Ken Madden, 6021 145th Ln NE, stated that he is against the whole idea of franchise fees. He <br />stated that inevitably it will never be enough. He stated that this does not make sense. He stated <br />that although there is a five-year sunset, the membership of the Council could be different in five <br />years and the choice could be made to increase the franchise fee. He stated that $14 per month <br />will not hurt him, it will hurt others in the community that perhaps do not have a car and would <br />receive no benefit from this. He stated that an excise tax could be used as that would be based of <br />those that have a driver's license. He asked that other methods be reviewed. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that an excise tax in not available in Minnesota. He confirmed <br />that the Statute would need to be changed at the State level in order to make those other funding <br />mechanisms available to cities. <br />Mayor LeTourneau noted that the Council has discussed many other options over the years, as <br />these discussions have occurred on a Council level since 2013. He stated that everyone agrees that <br />the roads need to be fixed and that a method needs to be chosen to fund that improvement. <br />Dede Larson, 14990 Waco St NW, commended the Council for the years when she did not pay <br />attention because things were going well. She stated that Waco Street was repaired with the <br />exception of one block. She stated that her road segment is not scheduled to be repaired until <br />2029. She stated that she does not support the franchise fee as that is a tax. She stated that <br />government is meant to protect the people and provide roads and believes that is what her tax <br />dollars should be spent on. She questioned why the budget in Ramsey is not sufficient to provide <br />for the roads. She recognized that the method of assessment is tough. She asked what is included <br />in the budget that should not be, noting that roads should be included. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that the Council and Public Works is aware of that section of road on <br />Waco, noting that he has complained about that segment in the past. <br />Mr. Benson stated that he has been engaged in discussions on this topic on social media, noting <br />that one comment was made that senior citizens have difficulty paying assessments compared to <br />the franchise fee method. He asked if assessments can be spread out over time for repayment. <br />Finance Director Lund replied that reconstructions can be spread over 20 years and an overlay can <br />be spread over ten years. <br />Mr. Benson commented that seems like a long time to be able to spread the cost of an assessment. <br />He noted that if an assessment could be spread over ten or 20 years, that should be less than the <br />franchise fees. He stated that utilities have nothing to do with the roads and therefore the property <br />City Council / July 14, 2020 <br />Page6of18 <br />