12-04-06 TITDecember 4, 2006
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MINUTES OF THE HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
TRUTH-IN-TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, December 4, 2006
Mayor Maxwell opened the public hearing at 6:35 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Thompson, Halverson, Rowan and Youakim. City personnel present were City Manager Rick
Getschow and Finance Director Christine Harkess.
Christine Harkess, Finance Director and City Manager Getschow reviewed the budget and the assessment
processes, how property taxes are determined and reviewed the proposed budget for 2007.
The staff explained that recently the city has seen a shift of tax revenue from commercial properties and
apartment buildings to residential properties due to the changes in the class rates that the state enacted a
few years back. They also mentioned the phasing out of the limited market value and how some types of
properties appreciate in value over others and how that affects people's taxes. Also noted was that the
city's tax rate over the last three years has decreased from an approximate high in 2004 at 56% to a
proposed 46% in 2007.
Mayor Maxwell then opened the hearing to the public for comment.
• Don Rosener, 618 West Park Valley Drive, asked questions regarding the assessment of properties
and the sources of revenue that the city receives for funding services and capital improvements.
Tom Greene, 14 Hawthorne Road, expressed concern over the amount of city taxes he pays as
compared to those in nearby communities. He also asked some questions and made some comments
regarding city services.
Allan Breitbarth, 13 Seventh Avenue S., questioned the valuation of his particular property.
Finance Director Harkess and City Manager Getschow discussed the process for contacting city assessors
in regards to property values and also discussed different deferment programs for seniors in the city.
A motion was made by Halvorson, seconded by Thompson to close the public hearing. The public
hearing was closed at 7:47 pm. Next a motion was made by Halvorson, seconded by Thompson to
adjourn the meeting at 7:47 pm.
Rick Getschow, Secretary
December 4, 2006
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ATTEST:
Eugen well, Mayor