12-06-1993 CCMIF
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1993
The special meeting for the Truth In Taxation Public Hearing was
called to order at 5:00 P.M. by Mayor Ackland. The following were
present: Mayor Paul L. Ackland, Councilmen Craig Lenz, John Mlinar,
Marlin Torgerson, and Don Erickson. Also present: Administrator
Gary D. Plotz and Finance Director Kenneth B. Merrill.
Mayor Ackland read the Notice of Public Hearing which explained the
purpose of the meeting was to present the City's 1994 budget and
the amount of property taxes it is proposing to collect to pay for
the cost of services the City will provide in 1994.
Finance Director Merrill made a presentation on "truth in taxation"
and noted the increases and decreases of the total budget, which
included employee salaries and benefits as well as the cost of
consultants and other independent contractors for the previous
year, the current year, and the proposed budget year. It was
stated that the liquor store, the water and sewer department, and
the City garage were not included in the report since they raise
their own revenue and are not maintained by tax dollars.
Tom Wick, 1143 Fairway Avenue, inquired if all of the budget
numbers shown for 1992-93 were expended. He wondered how close
they were to the actual budget and what was anticipated for 1993.
Director Merrill responded the figures were actual 1992 revenues
and expenditures, and they exceeded the 1992 budget. He stated the
City anticipated a deficit because of an anticipated carryover from
State monies received in December 1992.
Earl Fitzloff, 615 Merrill Street, asked about comparison numbers
on property assessed values which were levied for 1992 and 1993.
He commented on the assessor's market value in 1992, 1993 and 1994
and the increase in total assessed valuation of the same years.
He could not understand why the taxes had to be increased to meet
the budget. Mr. Fitzloff inquired if the taxpayers were picking up
any of the tax increment financing since the City does not get any
benefit from tax increment financing property for a period of 10
years.
Mr. Merrill stated there was an 11 percent increase in City taxes
over 1993.
Dennis Bergquist, 1155 Fairway Avenue, commented there was not much
increase in the number of City employees. He wondered if there
were things the City enjoyed that were beyond the means of the tax
payers.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 6, 1993
Wayne Anderson asked if there had been any comparison in size to
other cities.
Director Merrill commented the City does not do a comparison, but
the State does. It is very difficult to compare cities because of
the difference from one community to another.
Councilman Torgerson noted that several years ago the City cut
unnecessary services from its budget. It has been necessary to
hire outside consultants to keep up with the work in the
Engineering Department because of the growth in the community.
Capital improvements have been cut, and the budget is being
strained. He commented $600,000.00 was cut out of this year's
budget.
An unidentified gentleman stated he purchased his house in 1965.
His taxes have gone way up, and he wondered what has caused the
increase. In the last three years the property value increased
$11,000.
Mr. Merrill stated the property value increase was 20-22 percent.
He made reference to the formula applied against the property. The
County Assessor reevaluates property every four years.
Orville Rusch, 245 College Avenue, commented on obtaining a permit
for his garage a few years ago. The value has gone from $6,000.00
to $10,000.00.
Administrator Plotz mentioned that once a year the City Council
holds a Board of Review to review valuations of property. The
Assessor is present at the meeting to review the assessments and
make any necessary adjustments.
Richard Pullen, 1205 Fairway Avenue, noted his five year old house
had experienced a 33 percent increase and a 10 percent valuation
increase. This was greater than the County or School District.
Since Fairway Avenue is a private street, the City does not
maintain it. He felt the residents on Fairway Avenue should be
given a break or adjustment.
The Finance Director stated there was a 10 percent increase in the
general fund for 1994 as compared to 1993.
The City Administrator noted there was a shift of dollars collected
from taxes in the rural area versus Hutchinson. Since agricultural
land has gone down in value, the shift has gone to the city. The
city value is going up faster than small towns, and homes are
assessed 75-90 percent. The State Legislature determines the
formula for taxing purposes.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 6, 1993
Mayor Ackland stated the County Assessor's 1995 assessed valuation
increase will be 5-10 percent.
Councilman Mlinar pointed out the 1994 budget and tax levy would be
adopted on December 14, 1993. Therefore, it could be decreased,
but it would not be increased over the stated tax levy.
A gentleman suggested cutting the employees' budget. He complained
about the use of 'City equipment and the lack of police officers on
the north end of town.
The motion to close the hearing at 6:15 P.M. was made by Councilman
Erickson, seconded by Councilman Mlinar and unanimously carried.
The motion to hold a special budget meeting at 5:00 P.M. on
December 14, 1993, was made by Councilman Mlinar, seconded by
Councilman Erickson and unanimously carried.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
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