Minutes - Council - 11/30/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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levy. The maximum levy would generate an additional $33,453 in tax dollars. She stated that the rest of the handout goes through the general fund budget major categories. Councilmember Peterson stated that Council has scheduled December 7, 1994, as a reconvene date for this public hearing if needed, otherwise on December 13, 1994, City Council will adopt the budget and levy rate. He stated to the audience that even if they do not have questions at this time, they are welcome to come in with questions at any time and also suggestions. Rick Mevisson, 8502 - 164th Circle N.W., Ramsey, wondered why his taxes went up 20 percent and inquired if that's the plan - to have taxes go up about 20 percent each year. Ms. Hart stated that the City's needs increased the property taxes by 5.08 percent. What caused the additional 15 percent increase was an increase in property value. That amount is not driven by the City. We certify a dollar amount and it is based on the value as given by the assessor. Mr. Mevisson stated that the price of his house did not go up 5 percent. He inquired again if it is projected that his taxes will go up 20 percent again in 1996. Councilmember Peterson stated that only 5 percent of that 20 percent is what the City has control of and that 5 percent has been somewhat stable over the last few years. Roger Meyer, 7350 - 175th Avenue N.W., Ramsey, stated he understands that more people and improvements need more services but he stated that the amount has gone up 50 percent. He asked how the City could justify this. He suggested that different villages get assessed different ways. Councilmember Peterson stated that up until three years ago, the City of Ramsey had its own City assessor and added there are assessing guidelines for everyone. Mr. Meyer felt that the guidelines go by whomever is doing the assessing and some cities are getting hit harder than others. He asked if the City was really growing that fast to experience a 50 percent increase. He saw the biggest increase in personnel. He stated there is a 25 percent increase on the police force. Councilmember Peterson stated that the City is looking at the cost of outfitting squad cars. As we add officers, we have to add space, cars, etc. The City needs to provide its officers with updated equipment. He added that the City has gone through an analysis to determine at what point to take vehicles out of service. Mr. Meyer stated he understands all that but questioned if the City has really grown 50 percent. City Administrator Schroeder stated that the expected population by the end of 1995 is estimated to be 16,500. In 1990, the population was 12,400. Mr. Meyer stated that most of us are concerned about how taxes have gone up and added that it's not just the City. City Council/Budget Public Hearing/November 30, 1994 Page 3 of 6