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Truth-in-Taxation Hearing and Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 03, 2007 Page 5 Mr. Kysylyczyn questioned budget specifics: whether the City would continue to subsi- dize the annual leaf pick up program for an approximately 10% of the City's population; questioned consideration on a future agenda item tonight (ll.b) on whether to give a multi-billion dollar corporation additional funds; and questioned if the OVAL was still losing money, given the investments in the facility to-date. Mr. Kysylyczyn questioned the accuracy of staff's presentation on peer city tax compari- sons; using a City of Maplewood newsletter comparison from September of 2007 and their peer city comparisons. Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that further staff "slanting realities" by not fairly representing fees paid as well as taxes paid. Mr. Kysylyczyn further opined that his payment of sales, income and gas taxes also attributed to costs for the taxpayer, and when broad generalities were used, it was difficult for citizens to determine what value they were getting for their money. Mr. Kysylyczyn noted that, for over 11 years, he'd requested a fee comparison list with other comparable cities, but had yet to receive one. Mr. Kysylyczyn provided a listing of meetings provided in 2003, by then City Manager Neal Beets (memorandum dated December 15, 2003) to compare to this year's lack of meetings addressing the City budget, and lack of citizen comments. Mr. Kysylyczyn ex- pressed irritation that this year's, and last year's, budget processes had not provided suf- ficient discussion or debate; and questioned how the public was to determine if their tax money was being spent wisely. Mayor Klausing disagreed vehemently with Mr. Kysylyczyn's allegations; reiterating the availability of information online, at City Hall, detailed in City manager budget informa- tion showing historic spending levels and proposed increases, and a-mail options to indi- vidual Councilmembers by the public. Mr. Kysylyczyn clarified that Mr. Miller had been more than willing to supply any documents he'd requested from staff. Mayor Klausing closed the Truth-in Taxation Hearing at 7:16 p.m. Roe moved, Kough seconded, adjournment of the Truth-in-Taxation Hearing; cancella- tion of the Continuation Hearing; noting that the subsequent hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 17, 2007. Roll Call Ayes: Kough; Roe; Ihlan; Pust; and Klausing. Nays: None. 3. Adjourn The Truth-in-Taxation Hearing was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.