12-13-04 BUDGET HEARINGMinutes for 2004 Budget Public Hearing
December 13, 2004
A bud et hearin was held on Monda December 13 2004 in the Council Chambers at
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Hopkins City Hall. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Rick Brausen, Karen
Jensen, Diane Johnson, and Bruce Rowan. Also present were staff members Jim Genellie,
Acting City Manager, and Christine Harkess, Director of Finance.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Maxwell.
Finance Director Christine Harkess gave a presentation on the 2005 budget and tax levy.
Mayor Maxwell opened the public hearing.
Fred Mulvaney, 106 18th Avenue South, said that residential properties are bearing an unfair
or disproportionate increase in property taxes. Christine Harkess explained that the tax rates
on various classes of property are set by the State of Minnesota. Mr. Mulvaney presented a
document to the Council that contained a number of questions concerning taxes, city
spending and property values. The Council said that he receive answers to these questions.
John Miller, 100 Maple Hill Road, wanted to know whether the increases shown for the
various departments were the result of one-time spending or annual operating costs.
Christine Harkess explained that most of the spending was due to operating costs.
Mr. Miller wanted to know what the Council planned to do to reduce the burden on residential
properties. He wanted to see along-term plan for the city. After discussion, Mayor Maxwell
indicated that such a plan will be developed soon but no later than September of 2005. Mr.
Miller said that he would be willing to meet with the Council and help develop such a plan.
After discussion a motion was made by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council
Member Johnson, to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Council Member Brausen, seconded
by Council Thompson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
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