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BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF RAMSEY ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA The Ramsey City Council conducted a budget public hearing on Wednesday, November 30, 1994, at the Ramsey Municipal Center, 15153 Nowthen Boulevard N.W., Ramsey, Minnesota. Members Present: Councilmember Sheila Beyer Councilmember Glen Hardin (arrived 7:10 p.m.) Councilmember Kenneth Peterson (Mayor pro tem) Councilmember Gerald Zimmerman Members Absent: Mayor James Gilbertson Also Present: Councilmember-Elect Carolyn Beahen City Administrator Ryan Schroeder Finance Officer Jessie Hart Anoka Union Reporter Kim Knutson CALL TO ORDER Councilmember Peterson called the budget public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. Presentation: Councilmember Peterson stated that the purpose of this hearing is to present the budget for the City of Ramsey's 1995 General Fund. He summarized the budget process. He stated that about two years ago, with the addition of the new City Administrator Ryan Schroeder, we made a positive turn because the City became pro-active in planning for the future and anticipating and planning for expenditures. We also acquired a new Finance Officer, Jessie Hart. These two people, along with the rest of Staff have put together a five-year and 10- year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to be prepared for the future. Councilmember Peterson commented that the City is growing quickly - averaging 300 to 400 homes each year for the last couple of years. This creates more revenue; however, it also adds more expense. He continued that back in August, Staff and Council began trying to determine how much money the City would need to operate. We also tried to figure out the anticipated revenue and the aid from the State of Minnesota, which amount has been decreasing. The second source of revenue is permits and fees with the third source being the property tax levy. He added that the share of the City tax dollars is the smallest one on the tax bill. Councilmember Peterson stated that Staff and Council anticipated expenses somewhat higher than what is being proposed this evening. He stated that Council has asked Staff to cut to the level of only what is needed. "We try to get grants, etc, and get the 'most bang for our money'. We try to keep Staff at a level where they can provide service to the residents and are kept busy". Councilmember Peterson invited the residents to feel free to make suggestions. He stated that back in August, Council and Staff began to hold public meetings to go over the budget. Such meetings were poorly attended by the public. He continued that at the meeting tonight, Mr. Ed Thurston from the Anoka County Assessor's office is also present to answer any questions the residents may have. Finance Officer Hart summarized the packets she handed out to the Council and public. Councilmember Hardin arrived (7:10 p.m.). Ms. Hart explained that the Elk River School District splits are a little different. The City gets 17 percent of the tax dollars. She summarized the major changes such as the addition City Council/Budget Public Hearing/November 30, 1994 Page 1 of 6