HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-04-2000 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Meeting
Truth in Taxation Hearing
December 4, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:07
p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on December 4,
2000.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Black, Johnson, Slavik, and Brown.
ABSENT Councilmembers Bildsoe and Harstad.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Ahrens, Finance Director Hahn,
Finance Manager Jacobson, Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt, Public Works
Director Moore, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, and Deputy City Clerk Hoffman.
Presentation on 2001 Proposed Budget
Mayor Tierney stated the purpose of tonight's meeting is for a hearing on the City's proposed
2001 budget and tax levy. She said no action would be taken at tonight's meeting.
City Manager Johnson highlighted plans for the 2001 budget. The programs and initiatives
outlined included improved fire service delivery, increased funding for street reconstruction,
funding for water quality programs, adjustments to compensate for a shortage in the work force,
establishment and maintenance of the Millennium Garden project, and an enhanced presence on
the Internet.
Finance Director Hahn presented general information regarding the City's proposed budget and
tax levy. Among the issues discussed were market value trends, City taxes paid on an average
business and average home, changes in property tax class rates, revenues and expenditures, and
major budget proposals for 2001.
Truth in Taxation Hearing
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony.
Jim Koch, 2045 Kimberly Court, asked how home values are assigned. City Manager Johnson
explained that home values are set by the City assessor, through appraisals and the consideration
of market values of like homes that have been recently sold. He stated that the appeals process
for those values is conducted by the Board of Review in spring each year. He stated that the
City's tax capacity rate has gone down continuously over the years even as home values have
increased.
Adopted City Council Minutes
Special Meeting of December 4, 2000
Page 2 of 2
Mr. Koch expressed concern over recent increases in estimated home values in recent years, and
whether he would be able to sell his home at the value estimated by the City. City Manager
Johnson responded that if the housing market goes down, it is equally important for tax and
property values to be reflected likewise.
Finance Director Hahn stated that an example of a property value decrease may be found in the
commercial and industrial sectors in past years. He said that Plymouth residential values have
been flat in the past, but have never decreased.
Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to close
the public hearing, and to place approval of the budget on the December 19, 2000 Council
agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to adjourn
the meeting at 7:48 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Kurt H. I*ffman, Deputy City Clerk