Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 12/01/2008 - Truth in Taxation APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER Council Chamber 8080 Mitchell Road CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher, Jon Duckstad and Kathy Nelson CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Parks & Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, City Attorney Ric Rosow and Council Recorder Jan Curielli I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Young called the Truth-In-Taxation Hearing to order at 7:07 PM. II. PUBLIC HEARING A. OVERVIEW OF 2009 PROPOSED BUDGET AND TAX LEVY Sue Kotchevar presented an overview of the 2009 proposed budget, noting the purpose of tonight's meeting is to solicit public input on the City's proposed tax levy and budget for 2009. She said Minnesota State law requires that a public hearing be held after property owners receive their proposed property tax statements for 2009. She noted the final adoption of the budget is scheduled to occur on December 16, 2008 as part of the regular Council meeting. Kotchevar listed the outcomes and accomplishments of the City's budget, and then reviewed the impact of the proposed budget on residential, apartment and commercial property. She also reviewed the General Fund revenues and expenditures for 2008 and 2009. B. PUBLIC COMMENT AND DISCUSSION Nancy Arieta, 10785 Valley View Road, #207, said she has concerns about the property value on her senior cooperative apartment. She said the property value stayed the same and the tax for the building went up. She asked what is included in the Community Development Department portion of the budget and asked if the slide showing the monthly cost of City services is per resident. Kotchevar replied the slide refers to the monthly cost for a median-value home. Jeremiah said the Community Development Department includes four divisions: Planning and Zoning; Housing and Community Services; Economic Development; and Assessing. She briefly reviewed the functions of the four divisions. Ms Arieta asked why the Community Development budget went up by $97,515 for 2009. Jeremiah replied there were some changes due to internal service fund adjustments, but the actual increase for Community Development was less than 3%. Ms Arieta then asked that people on fixed incomes and those with disabilities be kept in mind for City services because their dollars are very limited. Mayor Young referred her to Mr. Sinell for questions regarding the value of her property. Caryl Hansen, 16200 Hilltop Road, said their valuation went up 15% but no consideration was given to the fact they are in the track of the airport. Young also referred her to Mr. Sinnell and noted that, as a general trend, valuations are going down in Eden Prairie. Christine Rowland, 8751 Preserve Boulevard, said her taxes were $4,500 when she purchased that commercial property in January, but they are going up to about $9,000, a 193% increase for 2009. She asked if there is a cap on the percentage increase on property taxes. Steve Sinell said there is no cap and noted that kind of change is usually because it was a partially completed building. Young asked Ms Rowland to discuss the matter with Mr. Sinell. III. CLOSE OR CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Butcher, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0. IV. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Butcher, to adjourn the Truth-in-Taxation Hearing and reopen the City Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Mayor Young adjourned the Truth-in-Taxation Hearing at 7:30 PM.