HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 11-30-1994 SpecialMINUTES
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING
NOVEMBER 30, 1994
The Truth in Taxation hearing of the City of Plymouth was called to order by Mayor
Tierney at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on
November 30, 1994.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Granath, Helliwell, and Lymangood.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Anderson and Edson.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Lueckert, Public
Works Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Assistant Finance
Director Jacobson, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Park Director Blank, and City Clerk
Ahrens.
Mayor Tierney opened the Truth in Taxation hearing.
Manager Johnson presented the staff report on the 1995 proposed budget.
Lee Johnson, 15124 40th Avenue North, represented the Plymouth Rockers. He said
this group of seniors does over 40 performances each year. The group would like their
director to receive a salary that is comparable with other suburbs. The honorariums
that the group receives cover the cost of equipment and music. The director currently
receives about $2,000 per year, which is shared with the accompanist. He said the
group sees a sense of urgency in order to retain the existing director, and their research
has shown that $10,000 per year would be a fair salary.
Manager Johnson explained that the City funds some senior programs through the City
budget, and the senior coordinator position was increased from 10 to 20 hours per week
in 1994. He said that this requested funding would come from the recreation budget,
which already shows a significant increase for 1995. He stated the Rockers are a very
good group, but if there was additional funding available, staff believes that it should
be spent to generally benefit seniors rather than a single group.
John Priestley, 6070 Goldenrod Lane, stated he has lived in Plymouth for 20 years.
Last year he did a $35,000 home addition, and his assessed value increased by
37,800. While his assessed value increased by about 40 percent, his taxes increased
by 60 percent.
Finance Director Hahn explained the property tax structure. The first $72,000 of value
is taxed at 1 percent, and each thousand dollars of value thereafter is taxed at 2 percent.
In addition, taxing jurisdictions such as Hennepin County and the school district
propose increased taxes for 1995.
City Council Minutes
November 30, 1994
Page 2
Wally Johnson, 16705 32nd Avenue North, stated he has lived in Plymouth for five
years. His market value increased 9.5 percent, which is greater than some other areas
of the City. He requested an explanation of this increase.
Manager Johnson explained that assessed values and increase trends vary by
neighborhood of the City. City staff will contact Mr. Johnson with further information
on his value.
Frank Knourek, 16925 11th Avenue North, stated he has lived in Plymouth for 30
years. He requested that the utility billing process be improved and automated. He
would like to pay his City utility bill through Twin City Federal - Ridgedale. He
would also like to discuss his assessed value with the assessing staff.
Finance Director Hahn explained that improvements to the utility billing system are
currently being implemented. He will investigate this request as well. City staff will
contact Mr. Knourek with further information on his value.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood to close the Truth in Taxation hearing, and place adoption of the 1995
budget and tax levies on the December 5 council agenda.
Motion carried, four ayes.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Cit Clerk