CC 12-04-2006 Truth in Taxation Public Hearing

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING—DECEMBER 4, 2006 2 `None. • 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Truth in Taxation Hearing and Presentation Ms. Wolfe presented the Truth in Taxation presentation. Councilmember Holden asked if the rates for program recreation fees would increase. Ms. Wolfe responded she was not sure, but she would get back to the Council on this. Councilmember Grant arrived at 6:49 p.m. Mayor Aplikowski opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. There were no comments made. Mayor Aplikowski closed the public hearing at 6:51 p.m. Councilmember Larson stated that when they last looked at the financial management plan, they looked out long term on general and capital expenses. He noted one significant aspect was the three million dollars they anticipated receiving from the sale of the former City Hall property. He • indicated now that the buyer had backed out, how this would impact the City for the long-term. Ms. Wolfe stated they had been anticipating 1.8 million dollars from the sale of the old City Hall, not including park dedication fees. She stated knowing that Council still needed to determine the allocation of that revenue, but the fund City staff identified could benefit the most was the Public Safety Capital Budget. She noted they may need to fund the fire station remodel/rebuild by other means. Councilmember Larson stated he was concerned with the continuing diminishing fund balance they had to work with. He indicated he did not like the direction it appeared the City was heading. Ms. Wolfe stated staff would like to use the financial management plan to talk about fund balance policies, which would help them look at the large picture and long term needs. Mayor Aplikowski asked if the City Hall, Public Works Building and trucks were paid for. Ms. Wolfe responded they were all paid for. Mayor Aplikowski noted the tax levy funds received were applied to the City services, not to cover debt for these items. Councilmember Grant noted the former City Hall property was still there and had value and he was not sure the City's future looked bleak. Councilmember Larson stated he did not believe the City's future looked bleak, but he was concerned about the decreasing fund balance over time. • 7. NEW BUSINESS None.