HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-05-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 5, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:05
p.m. in the Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Avenue North, on
December 5, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Stein, and
Bildsoe.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Willis and Black.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Police Chief Goldstein, Public Works
Director Cote, Fire Chief Kline, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Community
Development Director Hurlburt, Financial Analyst Kohn, Finance Director Hahn,
Finance Manager Jacobson, and City Clerk Paulson.
Truth in Taxation Hearing
Finance Director Hahn reported on the proposed 2006 budgets and tax levies.
Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing for testimony.
John Dixon, 3605 Black Oaks Lane North, stated his property taxes are proposed to
increase 15%.
Mayor Johnson explained to Mr. Dixon that more than likely the valuation of his property
increased. She stated the Legislature removed the caps on the limited market value,
which had been in place the past several years, which means the taxes are increasing at
market rate. She encouraged Mr. Dixon, if he is concerned about his property valuation,
to attend the Board of Equalization hearing in the spring of 2006.
Carol Froelich, 4625 Hemlock Lane North, stated her desire to appeal the 13% increase
in her property taxes. She stated their cost of living isn't increasing as fast as the
property taxes.
Mayor Johnson also encouraged Ms. Froelich to attend the Board of Equalization hearing
in the spring of 2006 if she is questioning her market value. She stated that the City's
taxes aren't increasing at that rate, but rather the value of her home. She noted that some
property owners are seeing a reduction in their taxes.
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Special Meeting of December 5, 2005
Page 2 of 3
Ms. Froelich stated she understands Mayor Johnson's explanation, but she would like to
appeal the property tax increase. She stated the City is pricing her out of her home.
Mayor Johnson reiterated that the Legislature has shifted the burden, which has had an
impact on market values. She informed Ms. Froelich that if she desires to appeal her
property taxes, she must contact her legislators.
Marie Ashton, 19105 11'11 Avenue North, stated their property taxes have doubled the
past six years that they have lived in the City. She stated they experienced an 11 %
increase in their property taxes last year and now a 13% increase. She indicated that they
can't afford this, and the value of their home has doubled over the last six years. She
believes that the valuations that the City places on properties are very aggressive, and
property owners are being assessed for growth that was being experienced two to three
years ago.
Mayor Johnson also encouraged Ms. Ashton to attend the 2006 Board of Equalization
hearing if she desires to question the valuation of her property. She noted that market
values are based on comparable sales in. the area.
Ms. Ashton explained her concern is that there could be reductions in the City budget,
and the City could look at being more fiscally responsible.
Mayor Johnson stated the City has one of the lowest tax rates in the State with
populations similar to Plymouth's. She stated the City has been so conservative in the
past that it hasn't been keeping up with the needs of the community, such as in the street
reconstruction area. Finance Director Hahn noted that the 2006 property taxes are based
on the valuation of properties on January 1, 2005 (inflation over 2004's).
Jody Sanders, 13700 54th Avenue North, No. 408, stated she purchased a townhome in
The Reserve development, and her property taxes have increased $300 per month. She
stated this was to be affordable, but she's almost being priced out. She noted that when
she would sell her townhome, she would only be able to sell it to another party who is on
the Section 8 program rather than at market rate.
Mayor Johnson stated that this issue would be discussed with the City's legislative
delegation.
Bill Goins, 4635 Hemlock Lane, asked when property owners decide to sell their
properties, is the City discouraging buyers due to the property taxes. In other words,
would people shy away from moving to Plymouth. Mayor Johnson reiterated that the
City has the second lowest tax rate in the metropolitan area and the fourth lowest
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Special Meeting of December 5, 2005
Page 3 of 3
Statewide for cities with population over 25,000. She explained fiscal disparities and
how much the City loses with that program.
Finance Director Hahn illustrated a tax levy per capita comparison on the 2006 proposed
taxes with metro cities, and Plymouth was the lowest.
Motion was made by Councilmember Stein to reconvene the meeting to December 12.
This motion failed for a lack of a second.
Motion was made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik,
to close the hearing and place the adoption of the proposed 2006 budgets and tax levies
on the December 13 Council agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
Adi ournment
Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk