HomeMy WebLinkAboutTT December 4, 1996
CITY of ANDOVER
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100
TRUTH-IN-TAXATION HEARING - DECEMBER 4, 1996
MINUTES
The Andover Truth-In-Taxation Hearing was called to order by Mayor Jack
McKelvey on December 4, 1996. 7:02 p.m. , at Oak View Middle School,
15400 Hanson Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers present: Dehn, Jacobson, Knight, Kunza (arrived at
7:25 p.m.)
Councilmembers absent: None
Also present: Finance Director, Jean McGann
City Administrator, Richard Fursman
Others
PUBLIC HEARING: TRUTH-IN-TAXATION
Mr. Fursman explained when the Council originally set the budget, the
intent was to keep the tax rate the same.as 1996 . The budget figures
were applied to the estimated property valuation from the county. Later
in the year the City found out the valuation numbers were too low; so
when the county sent out the statements estimating the 1997 taxes, the
tax rate shows as an increase. Because of the adjustment in the
valuation, the City's budget has since been reduced by approximately
$100,000. With the revised budget, the tax rate for 1997 should remain
the same as for 1996.
Ms. McGann gave a short presentation showing the comparisons between the
1996 and 1997 general fund revenues and expenditures and a breakdown of
the departmental expenditures. She also discussed the major changes in
revenue and expenditures between 1996 and 1997. Mr. Fursman also
presented a comparison of Andover's tax rate with other cities in the
metropolitan area and within Anoka County and compared the tax rate on
homestead residential properties, apartments and commercial properties.
Andover's tax rate is 86th low out of 105 communities in the
metropolitan area and is comparable to the lower average tax rate for
Anoka County. Of the ten fastest growing communities, Andover spends
the least amount per capita and its employee ratio to number of citizens
served is 1 to 407. The average is 1 employee to every 275 residents.
(Councilmember Kunza arrived at this time, 7:25 p.m.)
Bob Dehn, Tulip Street - farms and owns several parcels of land within
the City. He wanted to know why the tax rate increase was different for
each parcel. Not only did the market value increase, but the increase
in Andover's tax varied from 5.1~, to 17.8~, to 19.6~, to 24.6~ up to
84.6~. But one piece next to his homestead went down 17%. The
inconsistencies are incredible, and he wondered how many other people
have had that same problem. He talked to the county assessor, who has
not yet given a reason for such a wide variance. He was told they are
working on an answer. The Council and Staff did not understand the
. --.
Andover Truth in Taxation Hearing
Minu tes - December 4, 1996
Page 2
(Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation, Continued)
variations and offered to help in any way possible if Mr. Dehn does not
get a satisfactory answer from the county assessor's office.
Staff and Council responded to questions from those residents in the
audience. The Mayor noted that a mistake was made on his statement.
Mr. Fursman explained that the market value of the homes and properties
is established by the county, but the City Council sets the tax rate
based on budgetary needs and on the total valuation within the City.
Then the county applies the tax rate to the individual properties. Ms.
McGann stated the City's tax rate between 1996 and 1997 has remained the
same. Mr. Fursman explained the budgetary process of Staff proposing
the expenditures, the Council then determining how much to levy, and
finally the adjustment of the budget to meet that tax rate. The Mayor
explained one reason the City tax rate may show a percentage increase is
because Andover can only assess a small area; whereas the county and
school district have a much bigger area to tax from. There has also
been a large increase in land values, especially in the northern part of
the City. The City is also working to get more commercial businesses
and industries to increase the tax base. If the City chooses to bond
for a new Public Works building, there mayor may not be an increase in
taxes to meet the bond payments, as there may be sources other than the
general tax levy for those payments. Ms. McGann noted the bond for the
Fire Department buildings and equipment expires in the year 2001.
There was no further public testimony.
MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Kunza, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried unanimously. The hearing was closed at 7:50 p.m.
ANNOUNCE ADOPTION DATE
Mayor McKelvey announced the budget and tax levy will be adopted at the
December 17, 1996, regular City Council meeting. Ms. McGann noted the
proposed budget will have the reductions of approximately $100,000.
MOTION by Dehn, Seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn the Truth In Taxation
Meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
R~~L
~lla A. Peach
Recording Secretary
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