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Mayor Gamec stated that within a year's time, the median priced home in Ramsey went from $157,000 <br />to $230,000 in 2006. He stated that the valuation has gone up so far that it has raised taxation. He stated <br />that even at 1%, now citizens could look at an even larger pement increase. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright asked for clarification about where the money is going based upon that increase in valuation. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that even if the valuation stayed the same, the City has to plan for fast growth. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated that property value is increasing which is a good thing, but unless it's going <br />to be sold, it's doesn't do any good for taxation. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated the City Council did a good job keeping the budget in line this year. He stated that <br />the budget for streets was cut back in some places. He stated there are future problems with streets that <br />may take money in the future, and may be more costly in the long run because the City Council held <br />back in previous years. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright stated that 23% for the City of Ramsey is too much for him. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that people look at the Town Center as a cure all. He stated that the City will not <br />receive taxes on that until 2007; the City has had a period with a lot of building, a lot of industrial. He <br />explained that Tax Increment Financing is coming off which will improve the tax base within a few <br />years. <br /> <br />Mr. Wright stated that he is looking forward to when the high density, large lot developments drop off. <br />He stated that hopefully, that will make a difference. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that the cost of septic systems, hopefully in the future, will bring the City into better <br />shape and added that the future looks promising. <br /> <br />Gary Reiman, 18008 Waco Street NW, concurred with Mr. Wright's statements. He stated that the <br />valuation increases one year and taxes go up the next year. Mr. Reiman stated that as the growth of <br />Ramsey commemial and valuation increases, he felt things should take care of itself. He suggested that <br />either the City is spending too much or the City has too much expectation for what needs to be done, and <br />it comes at a cost. Mr. Reiman stated that the City Council has the control as a voice to take a stand and <br />get a handle on the increases. The citizens are looking to the City Council as leaders to help the citizens. <br />Mr. Reiman asked if the police department needed an increase in personnel due to population or for <br />other reasons. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that one goal is to have one policeman for every 1,000 citizens. Ramsey has one <br />policeman for one in approximately 2,000 people. He stated that laws and regulations have changed. <br />The City has a person who handles strictly zoning complaints and dog complaints. Police actually asked <br />for two new officers, but the City Council gave them only one new officer. Mayor Gamec stated that <br />Ramsey doesn't want to skimp on safety areas. <br /> <br />Mr. Reiman stated he realized the drug problem is very important. <br /> <br />City Council Truth in Taxation/December 5, 2005 <br /> Page 7 of 13 <br /> <br /> <br />