Minutes - Council - 12/13/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director Westby explained the ‘bubble’ that started in the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, when the roads were constructed. He stated these roads have reached the end of their lifespan and need maintenance and to be designed to today’s standards. Public Hearing Mayor Kuzma called the public hearing to order at 7:49 p.m. Citizen Input Kristen Fluegel, 14740 Bowers Drive, came forward with concerns of the increase in property taxes. She shared she spoke with Anoka County when the tax statements came out and the value of their house increased $125,000 this year. She shared that their property taxes went up over $1,000 this year as well. She shared her appreciation for all that is done to run the City but it is a difficult time for the City to be making such large tax increases. Bill Wright, 7884 142nd Avenue Northwest, came forward and shared that he and his wife have lived in Ramsey for 22 years. He stated that they are both retired and their income has not changed in those 22 years. He shared that his property taxes are projected to increase $1,076 or 22.1% and the City’s portion is more than half of the increase. He discussed that over a five year period, this year takes up 55% of the projected 76% increase. He reiterated what Ms. Fluegel said about how much she appreciates how the City is run. He thinks this tax increase could run people out of Ramsey because they cannot afford to keep up with the tax increase. He said this increase is too much in such a short period of time. Rick Farrell, 15795 Juniper Ridge Drive, came forward and shared that his valuation went up 29% this year. He stated that when the appraiser came by a few months ago he assumed that his valuation for next year would be based on what the appraiser came up with. He shared that he expects his valuation to go down next year as this year’s valuation was done at the peak of the real estate market. He shared that the City portion of his taxes went up 30.6% and last year they went up 15.4%. He said he is here to ask about the thoughts for what next year will look like. He wants to be able to plan for the future. Marie Tsague, 8700 152nd Avenue Northwest, came forward and shared that she had previously lived in Minneapolis for 23 years and the way that her house was assessed is quite different than what she sees in Ramsey. She shared that she moved into this home in March of 2022 and the market value has severely increased since then. She wanted to understand how her house was assessed. Mayor Kuzma asked Finance Director Lund to explain how the valuations and assessments work. Finance Director Lund explained how Anoka County assesses the value, which is determined by the County assessor not the City. She recommended talking to the County assessor and asking for what they used for the valuation for more information. City Council / December 13, 2022 Page 7 of 17