Posted: 9/14/04
By MaryHelen Swanson
North Branch residents could see an even-steven number on their tax statement for the city portion of their taxes even if the city council adds another $50,000 to the 2005 budget.
It was noted at the Sept. 13 council meeting that unless an individualís property valuation increased significantly, the city tax should not change much from 2004.
And, for their money, city residents should be served better as the 2005 budget includes funding of five new positions which City Finance Director David Stutelberg said are ìsorely needed.î
One of the positions will be another police officer.
And future citizens of North Branch should be served better as money is being set aside for the construction of a community center and improvements to city parks.
The council approved the preliminary budget and levy at the Monday night meeting, to meet the county deadline of Sept. 15, when the information must be sent to the auditor.
Mayor Gloria Karsky wanted assurance that the council would have an opportunity to look over and finalize the budget later.
And maybe move things around, asked Councilman Rod Lofquist?
Both were assured by Stutelberg that, that would be possible.
Stutelberg also noted that looking ahead, the challenge for the 2006 budget will be to reduce the cityís dependency on certificate equipment for the purchase of new equipment.
The cityís truth in taxation hearing is set for 6:30 p.m., Dec. 6 at City Hall. At that meeting city residents see the final budget and have an opportunity for input before adoption at the end of December.
The overall levy increase for 2005 is, according to Stutelberg, 16.67 percent.
Increased tax capacity will aide in keeping the tax level down.
The proposed levy total is $2,688,502. City expenditures for 2005 are expected to be $16,715,495 and anticipated revenues are $18,065,468.
In other business, the council:
ï Approved a conditional use permit for Thomas Hals for an outdoor storage building in the I2 General Industrial District, with conditions.
ï Approved the G & K Plat 3 development agreement. The project could not be done until the Hemingway street and utilities project was completed. The agreement includes assessments for the Hemingway project.
ï Approved the purchase of 40.4 acres (Nyquist property) located south of 400th between Forest Blvd and I-35. This land will be part of the cityís residential housing project. One other parcel has yet to be acquired, noted Stutelberg. The price per acre is $40,000. While the price was questioned by some of the councilmembers, Stutelberg said it is in line with recent land purchases by the city. Purchase of the land will help complete the project, he said. Stutelberg figures the city will be reimbursed for the cost when the land is sold for development. The purchase will be made with a temporary TIF bond.
ï Declared a vacancy on the city planning commission (held by Pace) and authorized advertising for the position.
ï Awarded the street overlay project to Bauerly Broth. for the amount of $139,863.30.
ï Awarded the city hall storm sewer project to Gustafson Excavating, Inc., in the amount of $34,760.
ï Approved 3-1 to hire Municipal Code Corporation to update sections of the cityís code.When Branch and North Branch were consolidated no legal review was done on the code and City Clerk Bridgitte Konrad believes that many sections are outdated. The firm quoted a cost of $9,250 for the service. An additional $350 pr year will be added to place the code on the internet making it available to residents without having to come to City Hall. Councilwoman Amy Oehlers opposed saying she had had a poor experience with the firm regarding timing and accuracy. The motion to approve included a notation to have these issues addressed with the firm.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com