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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 (5-0). <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 /> iLL <br />