HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-07 CITY OF LAKEVILLE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
DECEMBER 10, 2007
Mayor Dahl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Dahl and
Council Members Bellows, Swecker, Rieb and Wulff.
Also present: S. Mielke, City Administrator; D. Feller, Finance Director; C.
Fredges, City Clerk.
Mayor Dahl opened the public hearing on the proposed 2008- budget and tax
levy. Finance Director Dennis. Feller provided an overview of the proposed
budget and tax levy.
Mr. Feller explained that the City of Lakeville's tax base is predominantly
residential, comprising 79% of the total tax base. Residential growth has,-
however, started to decline, consistent with statewide and national trends. As
such, residential. building permits appear to be heading. for their lowest levels in
more than. 20 years.
• Mr. Feller outlined some of the major initiatives for the coming year, including
building maintenance,. street reconstruction, technology, new police station,
800 MHz radio system, and personnel. The General Fund balance, he
explained, is estimated to be $10.6 million, which is approximately 48.8% of
expenditures.
Mr. Feller stated that in order to finance operational costs, major maintenance.
projects and capital outlay acquisitions, water,. sanitary sewer and surface
water management rates are proposed to increase. This will result in an
average utility bill increase of approximately $6.25 -per quarter.
.The proposed 2008. tax levy is $22,690,614, which represents a 13.8% increase
over the previous year. As a result, taxes on an average median value home
will increase approximately $70.
(A complete copy of the 2008 budget presentation is on file in the City Clerk's
office.)
Mayor Dahl opened the hearing for public comments.
• A .resident asked whether the $400,000 for a radio. meter read system saves
the City money on meter readers? Mr. Feller stated there is approximately
CITY OF LAKEVILLE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2007
PAGE 2
$45,000 .per year savings on contractual meter reading. Council- Member Wulff
explained that radio meter reading allows for an instant read on water meters,..
which is helpful when closing out accounts.
07.95 Motion .was made and seconded to close the public hearing.. on the proposed
. 2008 budget and tax levy.
Roll call was taken. on the motion.. Ayes, unanimous.
Mayor Dahl adjourned the meeting at 7.:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Charlene Friedges, Ci lerk
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