Minutes - Council - 12/04/2000 - Truth in Taxation Public Hearing

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Dennis O'Keefe, 5143 - 179th Lane NW, Ramsey, expressed concern about the increase in taxes, pointing out that he has a small home, in need of repair, and his taxes went up 113%, which included a 37% increase in property value. He suggested that the Council and staff need to go back to redo the numbers; he feels this is "criminal". Mayor Gamec explained the Board of Review process to Mr. O'Keefe and suggested that he attend that to discuss his property valuation with the County Assessor. Ms. Lund explained how the taxes are figured on the property value. John Bertzyk, 6001 - 146th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that he was present to express a concern about the huge tax increase, but felt that it has now been explained. A resident who preferred not to give her name asked at whose market value is the City gauging her taxes. She added that she heard a new police officer would be paid at $100,000 per year. Mr. Norman informed her that the average annual wage for a new patrol officer is $35,000. The resident asked if the City of Ramsey could actually compare itself to other cities of the same population when Ramsey is considered country and the others are metro area cities. Ms. Lund explained the Stanton Survey with regard to wages. Ramsey is compared to cities like Andover and Elk River and stated that Ramsey was on the very bottom - down with cities with a population of 8,000. The resident argued that you cannot just base this on population. Mayor Gamec explained that Ramsey needs to pay a decent wage to keep good people and Ramsey needs to purchase decent equipment to work with to do a good job. The resident inquired if the City decides how much salt to put on the roads. She felt that there is an excessive amount used and that the City should use more sand and gravel. Mayor Gamec explained that sand does not penetrate way down and added that the intersections are done inore so than the streets. He informed the lady that the City now maintains 300 miles of streets. Councihnember Anderson reminded the lady that some of the streets she is talking about may be County roads. The resident then asked how the increase in property value is determined. Ms. Lund explained that it is market driven and added that Anoka County wants to get the property up to 95% of what you could sell that property for. Mayor Gamec suggested that the lady attend the Board of Review meeting to discuss property value. City Couucil Budget Public Hearing (Truth in Taxation) - December 4, 2000 Page 2 of 5