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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 8, 2014 4 <br /> <br />execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried <br />unanimously (5-0). <br /> <br />6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS <br />None. <br /> <br />7. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> <br />A. TCAAP Development Discussion Opportunity for Residents <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated that under the Public Hearing section, citizens have an opportunity to discuss <br />ideas regarding the TCAAP development. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. <br /> <br />With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. <br /> <br />B. Truth-In-Taxation Hearing <br /> <br />Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson provided the Council with a <br />presentation on the 2015 budget and tax levy. She described the notices that were published for <br />the Truth-In -Taxation Hearing and noted that tonight’s presentation was available on the City’s <br />website. She then explained why property tax levels varied from year to year, due in part to <br />property values, school district referendums, and special assessments, in addition to changes in <br />federal and state law. <br /> <br />Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported that property values in <br />Arden Hills were on the rise. She discussed how this would impact the median value homeowner <br />with the proposed 5.05% tax levy increase for 2015. She provided comment on the property tax <br />valuation paperwork that was sent to each Arden Hills’ property owner from Ramsey County. <br />How the City’s tax levies have changed from 2008 to 2015, along with how tax dollars are <br />divided between the City, County, school district and other agencies was reviewed. <br /> <br />Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained how property taxes were <br />spent by the City for public safety, public works, parks and recreation, and other governmental <br />expenses. She provided a tax rate comparison between Arden Hills and other communities in <br />Ramsey County. She commended the Council for their work in keeping the City’s tax rate low. <br />Revenues and expenditures for 2015 were reviewed. She presented the key budget elements and <br />noted the contracted expense for fire, police and dispatch services were all rising by <br />approximately 5% in 2015. She asked for questions or comments from the Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned why the fire contract was proposed to increase so <br />dramatically in 2015. <br /> <br />Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported this was the final year of the <br />implementation for the duty crew. The City would now have a 24 hour, seven day a week, full- <br />time fire department.