July 2011 Gem Lake Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 City's long term goals of building a reasonable fund balance, keeping variable expenses low and developing reasonable budgets. The 2010 audit presented an overall picture of municipal stability here in Gem Lake. Net Assets of $2,000,800 changed little from the year before, when they were $1,963,562. Gem Lake adapted well to changes in the economy over the course of the last two years. Although total revenues were down for 2010, due to decreases in property tax, assessments and intergovernmental aid, so were expenses. This meant our excess of revenues over expenditures was roughly the same from 2009 to 2010. Here are the actual numbers: In 2010, Gem Lake had total revenues of $525,723, compared to the year before, when revenues were $719,555. There were several economy related declines in money coming in the door. For instance, intergovernmental aid, (money Minnesota used to give to cities back in the "olden days" when the state handed out money...) dropped from $74,909 to a measly $5,199. Property tax income declined from $446,108 in 2009 to $379,286 in 2010. The good news is that the City of Gem Lake responded by spending very conservatively in 2010. Expenditures were slashed from $600,631 in 2009 to $417,363 in 2010. This means that the excess of revenues over expenses remained almost the same from year to year. It was $118,924 in 2009 and $108,360 in 2010. If you have any questions regarding the audit or would like a copy, please contact the city at 651-747-2790. Gem Lake Audit Completed: No Fireworks (continued from page 1 ) National Night Out is Scheduled for August 2 (continued from pg. 1) "This year's celebration will include food and refreshments and a chance to meet your neighbors," says Gem Lake Mayor Bob Uzpen. As in previous years, it is expected to be both and fun and informative evening, followed by the chance to stay and attend the Planning Commission Meeting, which starts at Heritage Hall at 7:00 p.m. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Department is expected to participate in this year's "National Night Out" events and will be on hand to provide crime fighting information. If you have questions please call 651-747-2790. Variance Language Considered Under what circumstances could you reasonable expect to get a variance when you apply for a building permit in Gem Lake? That subject is now being studied in draft ordinance #123, which is being worked on by the Planning Commission. This draft ordinance lays out what factors would be considered when a variance is requested. The current draft lays out things such as public safety and health, traffic, unusual topography, economic impact, consistency with the City's comprehensive plan, adjacent uses, area aesthetics and water quality and factors that might impact whether a variance would be granted. Your feedback would be appreciated. The next Planning Commission meeting is August 2.