CC 12-04-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS TRUTH-IN- TAXATION - DECEMBER 4, 1997 2 . Mayor Probst explained that City Accountant Terrance Post would present an overview of the proposed taxes, income, and expenditures for the 1998 Budget of the City of Arden Hills. Upon completion of the summary, the City Council would entertain questions or comments from the audience, Review 1997 Accomplishments Mayor Probst noted a few of the accomplishments which have occurred over the past year: a new staff position of Building Inspector was created, the first Town Hall meeting was held; a successful endeavor was held with the Parks and Recreation Department for a Day in the Park; the process was begun to replace non-residential water meters; and attempts made to improve City Hall facilities by retaining an architect. SUMMARY PRESENTATION BY TERRANCE POST. CITY ACCOUNTANT Mr. Post noted there will be a total of 15 slides in his presentation and each member ofthe audience received a copy to follow during the presentation, Making Sense of Property Taxes Mr. Post indicated who determines property taxes. It is a combined effort of the State Legislature, . the Taxing Jurisdictions, and the County Assessor. Mr. Post noted the State Legislature establishes property classes and class rates, determines the level of State aid, and also creates mandates to local governments, The County Assessor determines property market value and assigns a property class, Finally, the Taxing Jurisdiction or the City determines the levy amount based on guidelines. Mr. Post explained, with the usc of a flow chart, the process by which a City property tax is determined, He used an examplc of a median priced home in Arden Hills which is $140,300, where the City taxes would be $372.97 or $31.08 per month, Mr. Post noted a historical review of City market values from 1992 to 1998 for the City of Arden Hills. He pointed out in the early 1990's, the market values on commercial properties decreased but, in payable 1995, slowly started on the upswing and now has increased to approximately $30 million dollars higher than in 1992, But the tax capacity hasn't changed, This has a lot to do with recent actions the State has taken in regard to class rates, Mr. Post noted the comparison of taxable market value changes for homes from 1996 through 1998 in Ramsey County. He indicated for payable 1998, 66% of the homes in Arden Hills will have an increase of between 5% and 10% oftaxable market value. Cost of City Services in Perspective . Mr. Post reviewed what the resident's tax dollar buys in the City of Arden Hills, He noted for every dollar the resident pays, 15 cents will fund the City of Arden Hills' operations, He also noted Ramsey County retains 39% (or 39 cents), S.LS,D, virtually 0%, School District #621 receives 41 % (41 cents) and Miscellaneous is 5% (5 cents),