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<br /> ~~~ ,~COUNCIL CORNER - JULY, 1992
<br /> \l,,>vf:-' Thank you for all the nice things you've had to say about
<br /> the new look of our newsletter, HEADL I NES. We're pleased
<br /> that you like it, and hope you'll continue to find it both
<br /> informative and easy to read.
<br /> In our inaugural issue, we promised to use this column to
<br /> let you know what the Counci I is doing. Right now, as many
<br /> of you are still enjoying the long, warm days of summer, our
<br /> thoughts are turning to the new year, and the 1993 budget.
<br /> The staff began work on the it in June, and the Council will
<br /> undertake review starting in August. Our analysis will
<br /> occur in a series of work sessions during August, September,
<br /> and perhaps into October. Like virtually all of our
<br /> meetings, these sessions are open to the public, and you are
<br /> welcome to attend. Specific dates and times aren't
<br /> determined as yet, but will be published and broadcast on
<br /> cable channel 16 as soon as they are set. Watch for them,
<br /> and feel free to come,
<br /> By September 15th, the council will have determined the
<br /> . proposed tax levy for next year, and provided it to Ramsey
<br /> County. The County will then begin preparing its Fall
<br /> mailing which will disclose the actual taxes for each
<br /> property, incl uding the levies of Ramsey County, our school
<br /> districts, and other taxing entities, A formal public
<br /> hearing on the budget will be held in December.
<br /> Our goal in assembling the budget will be the same as
<br /> always, to deliver the best possible services at rock bottom
<br /> cost. You may have seen the recent State Auditor's report
<br /> that pegged our spending at only $192 per capita, an amount
<br /> very near the bottom of the list for all of Minnesota's
<br /> ci ties. Some cities spend upwards of $800 per person
<br /> annually, and many range from $250 to $600. We're proud of
<br /> the fact that we, and the Councils before us, have
<br /> maintained a tradition of frugality. Look for it to
<br /> continue.
<br /> In the months ahead we will be asking for your support on a
<br /> very important issue, new City facilities. We've squeezed
<br /> by in a 2,700 square foot City Hall that is forty years old.
<br /> The 10,000 square foot public works building is actually an
<br /> assemblage of three garages that were pieced together to
<br /> create six truck bays, Public buildings get heavy doses of
<br /> wear and tear, and the many years have taken their toll.
<br /> . During 1990, a citizens committee investigated many
<br /> alternatives, including refurbishing, but recommended new
<br /> buildings because the existing ones were is such poor
<br /> condition. We have to agree. City Hall's roof leaks, its
<br /> outer walls are becoming unsound, and the heating, cooling,
<br />
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