2022 Vol 16, Issue 1 January Gem Lake News

Home

Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 Gem Lake Final Budget Passes The final budget for Gem Lake covering 2022 was passed at the December 21 City Council Meeting following the city’s first ever “Truth in Taxation” Hearing. According to Minnesota State Law, all cities must hold a “Truth in Taxation” Hearing once their population exceeds 500 people. The recently released 2020 Federal Census Figures put Gem Lake’s population at 526. Prior to this, Gem Lake’s City Council simply approved the final budget without a special public hearing. The 2022 final property tax levy was set at $558,210, which is a 4.25% increase over 2021. The 2022 property tax levy consists of a debt levy of $87,282 (which includes $2,505 in fiscal disparities funds) and the general operating levy of $470,928 (which includes $10,726 in fiscal disparities). Per the League of Minnesota Cities, fiscal disparities is a metro-wide property tax sharing program, which Gem Lake participates in. It is rather complex, but the fiscal disparities numbers listed above represent our share. Here are a few notables for 2022: • The police budget was increased 10.85% to $95,000 based on the City of White Bear Lake’s budget. • The cost of fire services increased 14.40% to $29,343. • The road maintenance budget includes $15,000 for trimming boulevard trees. • The salt/sand budget reduced to $15,000 and snow plowing contract reduced from $18,500 to $17,000. • A park maintenance budget of $5,000 for maintaining the trail area was added. • The 2022 budget includes $20,000 for future improvements. • Revenue and other expenditure line items were adjusted based on past history. • The 2022 budget includes $25,000 for future improvements. • Based on the 2015 Refunding Bond Schedule, the debt levy for 2022 is set for $79,477. In addition, in 2018, the City issued bonds for the improvements on Scheuneman Road, and the 2022 debt levy for this issue is $7,805. The two of these debt levies make up the city’s 2022 debt levy of $87,282. These changes result in the City\s final tax levy of $558,210 for 2022. The compares to 2021 preliminary levy of $538,308 and 2021 final levy of $535,476. Changes Planned to Home Occupations Ordinance Gem Lake’s Planning Commission is currently reviewing the city ordinances pertaining to home occupations. This includes Home Occupations Ordinance No. 85 and language that appears in the Gem Lake Consolidated Land Use Ordinance No. 131. A public hearing on the subject was scheduled for January 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall to gather further feedback. The review of this ordinance has been underway for several months. The review was prompted by massive changes that have happened in the United States over the past several years regarding remote work. Gem Lake’s leadership wanted to be sure this ordinance remains relevant and up-to-date in the midst of societal change. Archery Deer Hunting Within City The Gem Lake City Council issued a permit for archery deer hunting to Anthony Scornavacco and Mike Garrett for hunting to take place on their property on the south side of Gem Lake last September. A primary goal was to reduce the city’s large deer population. The hunt took place between mid-September and mid- November, on three weekends that were preapproved by the council. Neighbors were also notified in advance. The event was concluded safely, according to all rules and guidelines, and resulted in no complaints from nearby residents. A total of 5 deer were harvested, one doe and four bucks.