2020-12-09 CC WS, CC & Closed Exec. Meeting Minutes - Approved

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City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 2020 median valued home is going to increase approximately $2. He stated that items that would change a home’s anticipated property taxes from the average would be if the home had been remodeled or an addition added. He also stated that for new construction that took place during the course of the year, the increase would occur the following year with taxes being payable the following year. Finance Director DeJong stated that the City Council has been very diligent in reviewing all items related to the City’s budget, (General Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Project Funds and Enterprise Funds). He stated that the City has a reasonable budget in the short term and long term. He stated that Council has been proactive in how it lays out decision making and how they are managing the City’s property Tax Levy and the implications to homeowner. Finance Director DeJong stated that now would be the time to open the public hearing to obtain input from the public and Council. Mayor Love gave credit to the Staff for their diligence, making modifications and coming forward for all in the City. Motion by Council Member Wilharber, seconded by Council Member Lakso to Open the Public Hearing at 6:55 p.m. A roll-call vote was taken. Mayor Love and Council Members Koski, Lakso, Montain & Wilharber voted in favor. Motion carried. Council Member Montain stated that Council and Staff have work hard on this budget and levy and stated that he was satisfied with the budget. Council Member Koski stated that there was a large amount of work by both Council and Staff who care about residents. He complimented Finance Director DeJong on his presentation, thanked him and stated that it was easy to follow. He stated that he liked see the debt levy decreasing which helps the tax rate go down. Council Member Lakso echoed her appreciation and stated that she felt good that there was little increase with little sacrifices while keeping the standards of service that resident’s desire. Council Member Wilharber echoed his appreciation to Council and Staff. Mr. Steve King, 1724 Sorel Street, asked about concerns identified by the League of MN Cities that Finance Director DeJong referenced in his memorandum along with if the City paid them. Finance Director DeJong stated the City is a member of the organization, the City benefits from participating in their Insurance Trust which is a very strong, stable insurance alternative to the commercial market, benefit from their staff research and participation in the legislative processes. He stated that what the memorandum is referring to is there may be changes that may occur due to COVID related responses. He stated that the City discussed these in August and September when drafting the Preliminary budget. He stated that the City has sufficient revenues and funds on hand to cover these contingencies if there were to happen. He also stated that Staff has pointed them out and taken care of them within the budget (State Aid, LGA or other revenues). Mayor Love added that the League put of state wide memorandum of some things cities should think about for planning for budgets and the following year. Administrator Statz stated that one of the issues collection of property taxes and they may not be at the same levels as individuals have been unemployed and may become delinquent. He stated that the City is highly dependent on property taxes. He stated that both he and Bruce have not seen that revenue stream dry up or effect the City in a long meaningful way. Administrator Statz stated that the City just received information that its percentage of collection rate for property taxes was quite high and it was Page 7 of 19