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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — DECEMBER 12, 2022 6 <br />Councilmember Holden discussed how homeowners have been impacted by increased property <br />values and stated she would like the levy increase to be no more than 5.5%. <br />Councilmember Radziej stated he would support a 5.5% levy increase as well. <br />Councilmember Scott reported he would support a reduction in the preliminary levy down to <br />6%. He recommended the levy not be reduced too low as this may lead to higher increases in the <br />future. <br />Councilmember Holmes stated after speaking with residents she learned that they didn't mind <br />paying a higher rate because they like the amenities and services being provided by the City. She <br />explained she supported the final levy remaining at 7%. <br />Mayor Grant reported this was an election year and he spoke with many residents from Arden <br />Hills. He noted these residents were concerned about inflation and increased costs. He discussed <br />how some residents were living paycheck to paycheck. He stated he would be willing to support a <br />5.5% levy for 2023. <br />Councilmember Holden discussed the amount of surplus the City had in 2022 and stated she did <br />not support the City over -taxing residents. <br />Mayor Grant asked when New Perspective would be open. <br />Finance Director Bauman anticipated New Perspective would be open in the first quarter of <br />2023. She reported the increased value of this site would not impact property taxes until 2024. <br />MOTION: Councilmember Radziei moved and Councilmember Scott seconded a motion <br />to approve Resolution 2022-056 — Setting the Final Tax Levy of 5.5% for <br />Taxes Payable in 2023. The motion carried (5- <br />MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Radziei seconded a <br />motion to approve Resolution 2022-057 — Adopting the Proposed 2023 Budget, <br />Finance Director Bauman proposed the Council remove the $70,000 transfer into the Public <br />Safety Fund in order to not put further pressure on the 2023 budget. She explained these dollars <br />were to be used for Lake Johanna Fire Department staffing and this was an unknown at this time. <br />Councilmember Holden supported this recommendation. <br />AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to <br />amend the proposed 2023 budget removing the $70,000 transfer into <br />the Public Safety Fund. <br />The amendment to remove the $70,000 transfer as indicated carried <br />(5-0 . <br />