January-February 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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At its December 10, 2018 meeting, the City Council adopted a 2019 property tax levy of $3,938,420. This sets the city’s property tax levy increase for 2019 at 4 percent, which is down from the preliminary levy rate set in September 2018 of 5 percent. Funding from the city’s share of regional fiscal disparities has decreased for 2019 and will contribute $311,064 toward the levy total. The city’s tax capacity has increased, and taxes paid by city property owners will account for the remaining bal- ance, or $3,627,356. The impact of a 4 percent levy increase translates to a $33.04 increase in annual city taxes paid by resident owners of me- dian valued homes. In Arden Hills, the entire tax levy goes toward the General Fund expenditures in the city’s budget. Due to under spending and unanticipated revenue in 2018, the city's General Fund ended with a positive balance that will be applied to 2019. The Council also adopted a 2019 city bud- get of $13,972,990. 2019 General Fund Budget Revenues • General Fund revenues in the 2019 budget are set at $5,292,620. • The property tax levy accounts for ap- proximately 74 percent of the General Fund revenues and will be increased 4 percent or $151,478 over the previ- ous year. • Building permit and plan review fee revenues are expected to increase based on an analysis of historical revenues. Expenditures • General Fund expenditures for 2019 total $5,479,590. • Public Safety costs are set to increase by 5.5 percent for the Lake Johanna Fire Department, 4.1 percent for the Ramsey County Sheriff contract and an increase of 5.1 percent for dispatch services. • An additional $100,000 was added to the 2019 budget for street main- tenance to help lengthen the life of the city’s roads. • Two positions have been filled, including a recreation programmer and a senior engineering technician. Other Rate Increases 2019 utility rates have been adjusted based on the rate study completed in 2018. The changes will be reflected on the first quarter statements that will go out in April 2019. The approved budget and tax levy information can be viewed in detail in the December 10, 2018 City Council agenda packet posted on the city’s website. City’s Final 2019 Tax levy Reduced from Preliminary Rate The City's Public Works Department works to provide safe driving conditions for residents while balancing costs of snow and ice control. Street plowing typically begins when 2 inches of snow have accumulated. Please keep the following information in mind: • Plows will get as close as possible to mailboxes, but the cleaning of the mailboxes and fire hydrants is up to residents. • Please do not park vehicles on the street after the accumulation of two or more inches of snow and until plowing has been completed. • Parking is not allowed on any city street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. year round. The City Council approved the submis- sion of the Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council at its January 14 meeting. Following review by the Metropolitan Council, the plan will be sent back to the city for final revisions prior to official adoption. The Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan defines the goals and long-term vision of the community. A copy of the plan is posted on the city’s website under Community Development. Please contact City Planner Mike Mrosla at mmrosla@cityofardenhills.org, or by phone at (651) 792-7822 with any ques- tions. It has come to the city’s attention that the Perkins restaurant located at 3855 Lexington Avenue North has closed. Perkins has been a long time tenant of the building. The property owners are now actively marketing the property for a new tenant. Perkins Restaurant Closes; New Tenant Sought City Approves Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan City Snowplow Policy