City 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.