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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — DECEMBER 11, 2023 7 Councilmember Fabel commented on the Council line item increase, which was within the General Fund. He requested staff speak further to these increases. City Administrator Perrault explained the most significant increase for the Mayor and Council budget line item was the City reentering the North East Youth and Family Services contract, which totaled $23,000. Councilmember Monson asked that staff speak to why the TCAAP budget looks the way it does. City Administrator Perrault stated the JDA was a separate entity and they approve their own budget. He explained the City was responsible for funding its respective consultants and staff time. He noted the City's JDA budget increased by $20,000 which would assist in offsetting costs for the AUAR which would be completed in 2024. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City's attorneys' fees should increase for 2024 to ensure all JDA documents could be reviewed and considered by the City Attorney. City Administrator Perrault explained staff had $10,000 in the budget for City attorneys' fees. Mayor Grant opened the Truth In Taxation Hearing at 8:04 p.m. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated she could not understand what staff was saying regarding the JDA. City Administrator Perrault reported the City funded staff and consultant time for the JDA. He noted the City added $20,000 to the budget for 2024 to offset costs for the AUAR. Russ Bertsch, 4419 Amber Circle, stated he was surprised there was not more residents in attendance. He discussed how the value of his home had increased and explained his property taxes were set to go up over 12%. He commented on how these increases were impacting taxpayers and potential future buyers. He stated a future homebuyer would now be paying over $3,200 per month for his home given the value the County has put on his home and with the current interest rates. On top of this, the property taxes for his home would be increasing by $70 per month. While he appreciated living in Ramsey County and in Arden Hills, he questioned where people were supposed to come up with this type of money. He believed residents were being taxed out of the State of Minnesota and encouraged the City Council to reconsider the increase. Mayor Grant clarified for the record, the City of Arden Hills does not set the value of homes. He explained this was done by the Ramsey County Assessor. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, reported St. Anthony is another suburb that was located in Hennepin and Ramsey County. She recommended the slideshow presented by staff to the City Council reflect this information. Mayor Grant closed the Truth In Taxation Hearing at 8:11 p.m.