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The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents January/February 2021 <br />City Adopts Budget and Approves Tax Levy <br />Arden Hills continues to have one <br />of the lowest tax rates in Ramsey <br />County. Compared to 17 other <br />jurisdictions in the County, Arden <br />Hills has the sixth lowest tax rate <br />based on preliminary information <br />from November 2020. <br />The annual truth-in-taxation <br />hearing was held on December 14 <br />at Arden Hills City Hall. City staff <br />presented information regarding <br />the 2021 budget and tax levy. <br />The City Council adopted a 2021 <br />property tax levy of $4,280,080. <br />This sets the City’s property <br />tax levy increase for 2021 at <br />3.5 percent, which is less than <br />the preliminary levy rate set in <br />September 2020 of 4.25 percent. <br />In 2021, the City tax rate is <br />projected to be reduced by 1.3 <br />percent. The tax rate is just one <br />factor in calculating a tax bill, and <br />even with property values rising, <br />many property owners will see <br />their total tax bills decrease. Home <br />values are determined by the <br />Ramsey County Assessor’s Office. <br />The impact of a 3.5 percent levy <br />increase translates to a $29.01 <br />increase in annual City taxes paid <br />by resident owners of median <br />valued homes. <br />In Arden Hills, the levy is split <br />between the General Fund <br />($3,760,080), the Economic <br />Development Authority Fund <br />($100,000), and Capital Funds <br />($420,000). Less than 18% of the <br />residential properties will see an <br />increase to their total property tax <br />bill (including the county, city, <br />school district, and other taxes) <br />in 2021, not including special <br />assessments and referendums. <br />—Down from Preliminary Levy, Home Values Up, Tax Rate Stays Steady <br /> <br />2021 General Fund Budget <br />The Council adopted a 2021 city <br />budget of $16,373,100, which <br />includes the General Fund, Capital <br />Funds, and Utilities. <br />Revenues <br />• General Fund revenues in <br />the 2021 budget are set at <br />$5,122,260. <br />• The property tax levy accounts <br />for approximately 73 percent <br />of the General Fund revenues <br />and will be increased 2.6 <br />percent or $94,740 over the <br />previous year. <br />Expenditures <br />• General Fund expenditures for <br />2021 total $5,212,980. <br />• Public Safety costs are set <br />to increase by 5.7 percent <br />for the Lake Johanna Fire <br />Department, 3.8 percent for <br />the Ramsey County Sheriff <br />contract, and 22.4 percent for <br />dispatch costs. <br />• Personnel costs are increasing <br />by 5.4 percent due to cost <br />of living adjustments, step <br />increases, and health insurance <br />premium increases. <br />The approved budget and tax levy <br />can be viewed in detail on the <br />Finance Department web page at <br />cityofardenhills.org. <br />Check Register—What your Arden Hills tax dollar buys you. <br /> Description of Transaction Balance <br />Public Safety $34.49 <br />General Government $16.51 <br />Parks and Recreation $11.59 <br />Public Works $10.61 <br />Capital $ 5.90 <br />EDA (Economic Development Authority)$ 1.40 <br /> A $387,500 home generates $966 in annual City property taxes. <br /> This breaks down as $80.50 per month for 2021.