2000-12-04 Truth & Taxation Hearing Agenda

Home Browse Search

r MEMO DATE : December 1, 2000 TO : Honorable Mayor and Council FROM: Jim March RE : Truth in Taxation Hearing ************************************ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** I had originally hoped to address other items on the agenda for the meeting on Monday evening, however I am not placing any items on the agenda other than the truth in taxation hearing. We have placed a notice of the hearing on the City Hall message board, an ad was placed in the local newspaper and the individual tax notices state the date and time for the hearing. We have not had more than one or two calls in regards to the hearing or the tax notices. However, I spoke to one of our new Lion's club members that lives in Parkview and he said that he and his neighbors were planning to attend the hearing. This gentleman's concern was that his new home was valued higher than his neighbors and that his neighbor had a finished basement and he did not have a finished basement. In addition, his home valuation had gone from $180,000 to $199,000 in one year and he thought that was too much of an increase for one year. He also expressed concerns that his taxes were $3750 /year and that is before the school referendum. He also thought that if his taxes were that high, their street should be swept more often. It is impossible to predict what type of attendance there will be at the hearing. I plan to give a presentation to those in attendance on the proposed budget detail. I will also explain the purpose of the meeting and provide insight on the components of the tax bill. I will have information available for Council to show you how reducing the proposed levy by varying amounts decreases the tax burden on various valued homes. If there is such a turnout that not everyone in attendance is allowed an opportunity to speak, then the Council may recess the meeting to the continuation hearing that is noticed for December 20, 2000. If a continuation hearing is not necessary, Council can then pass a motion to schedule the last regular meeting for the year on whatever date is desired.