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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 6 <br /> <br />for repairs to Snelling Avenue. She supported giving staff a raise in 2015 as she wanted to keep <br />current personnel. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung explained that he could support a 2% tax levy increase and nothing <br />more. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated that the Council did not have to make any cuts to the budget this evening, <br />but that they did need to come to an agreement on a levy amount to certify. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner supported a 5% levy increase. He was pleased that home values in <br />Arden Hills were on the rise. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant commented that public safety costs were expected to increase by $86,118 in 2015, <br />which makes up 2.6% of the 5% levy increase. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes recommended that the tax levy be set at 5% this evening. She indicated <br />that this amount could always be decreased between now and December. She supported the <br />Council setting aside funds for roadway improvements based on the comments received from the <br />public. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung reported that the current budget did not have any funds designated for <br />roads or trails. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant understood that the City needed to be mindful of its roadways, however, he did not <br />hear comments from the residents requesting taxes be increased to improve the streets. He stated <br />that he would be more comfortable with a 4.5% levy increase. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden looked forward to hearing from the public at the upcoming Truth-In- <br />Taxation hearing as this would provide more clear input on how the citizens wanted the Council <br />to proceed with the budget. <br /> <br />MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a <br />motion to adopt Resolution #2014-045 – setting the preliminary levy for taxes <br />payable in 2015 with a 5% tax levy increase. The motion carried 3-2 (Grant <br />and McClung opposed). <br /> <br /> B. Establish a Truth-In-Taxation Public Hearing Date for Proposed Taxes <br />Payable in 2015 <br /> <br />Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that cities are required to <br />announce and schedule one regular meeting at which the Council discusses the budget and levy <br />and takes comments from the public. Cities are no longer required to publish notices in the paper, <br />and cities may adopt the budget and final levy after the public hearing during the same meeting. <br />The Truth-In-Taxation hearing must be held after November 25 but no later than December 26 <br />and must occur at or after 6 p.m. <br />