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Truth-in-Taxation Hearing and Regular City Council Meeting <br />Monday, December 03, 2007 <br />Page 3 <br />Public Comment <br />Fred Booth, 626 W. County Road C (at Dale) <br />Mr. Booth expressed concern that his property taxes continued to increase, along with the <br />estimated value of his home. Mr. Booth noted that he was retired and on a fixed income; <br />and questioned the validity of the County's estimated market value of his home based on <br />potential resale in today's marketplace. <br />Mr. Miller provided a brief explanation of how the Ramsey County Assessor determined <br />property values in Roseville; their methodology and recent calculations for commercial <br />and residential properties; recent housing market indicators; and encouraged Mr. Booth to <br />contact the Ramsey County Assessor directly for a better understanding on the valuation <br />of his home. <br />Mayor Klausing recognized Mr. Booth's concerns, while clarifying that the City had no <br />control over the assessed valuation of properties. <br />Councilmember Ihlan noted that Mr. Booth made a good point; one that the City Council <br />needed to understand the added pressure realized by citizens across the city from not just <br />the City's tax levy, but from the overall taxing jurisdictions as a whole. <br />Councilmember Roe used his home as an example; and the overall tax base of the City <br />and how best to spread the burden, noting that the city's overall budget didn't indicate the <br />overall increase to property owners. <br />Councilmember Pust concurred that situations similar to Mr.' Booth are happening <br />throughout the City, including her own property taxes; noting that the City could control <br />only a portion of the overall impact. <br />Mayor Klausing encouraged Mr. Booth to provide Mr. Miller with his contact informa- <br />tion to allow staff and/or Mayor Klausing to assist Mr. Booth in receiving a review and <br />clarification of values by the Ramsey County Assessor. <br />Darlene Kossan, 2230 Midland Grove, Condo #208 <br />Ms. Kossan related similar issues regarding her experiences and valuation issues with her <br />one-bedroom condominium unit; and increased taxes she was experiencing compared <br />with other condominium owners experiencing reduced taxes. <br />Mr. Miller referred Ms. Kossan to the Ramsey County Assessor's office as well, to de- <br />termine what factors were driving the increased tax rate. <br />Ms. Kossan expressed frustration that tonight's hearing could provide no recourse or so- <br />lution for her. <br />Mayor Klausing expressed his desire to be of assistance; however, noted his inability to <br />explain the rationale and calculations of the Assessor's office for the specific properties <br />