12-05-96 PHTRUTH IN TAXATION
HEARING 1996
DECEMBER 5, 1996
6:30 PM
OTSEGO CITY HALL
1 Mayor Norman R Freske will call Hearing to Order_
Mayor Freske called the Truth in Taxation Hearing to order at 6:30 PM.
Roll Call: Mayor Norman F. Freske; Council members: Suzanne Ackerman, Ron Black,
Larry Fournier, Vern Heidner.
Staff: Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning Administrator; Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk;
Contracted Staff: Gary Groen
? Welcome and introductions by Mayor Norman R Freske.
Mayor Freske welcomed the residents in the audience (there were five in attendance).
3_ Turn over to Gary Groen for resentation
Mr. Groen went over the proposed General Fund Operating Budget (attached). A few of
several items he noted were:
Total levy to be certified $790,458.
Total tax capacity proposed rate is 32.207. (dividing the total taxes necessary ($790,458)
by the total tax capacity ($2,454,423).
Mr. Groen went over the 1997 estimated revenues as presented in the handouts.
Gary showed the breakdown of the dollar and how it is spread out to the school, city,
county and hospital.
Next the 1997 appropriations by department was explained. It was noted that
expenditures haven't changed very much since last year. Gary checked with the State and
comparing with other cities of similar size, Otsego is very comparable. Mr. Groen has this
information available.
4. Any Council questions.
CM Fournier stated the budgeted amount for Mayor and Council shows an increase from
last year but explained this is a cushion and wasn't increased because of a pay increase.
5_ Any Resident questions
Richard Nichols, 13371 77th Street NE.
Asked for an explanation of rents and if there are reserves. CM Heidner explained this
would be the trailers in the Trailer Park which are taxed as personal property.
Mr. Groen explained the reserves are not shown but at the end of 1995 there was a
reserve of over $200,000.00.
Otsego City Truth In Taxation Hearing of December 5, 1996, cont'd. Page 2.
A former resident of Frankfort and now a resident of Otsego asked about her increase.
Mayor Freske explained Otsego's tax capacity rate compared to the former Frankfort's.
CM Heidner went over some of City's services. CM Fournier also pointed out if her
valuation increased this would affect her taxes.
There was none.
7. Adjourn or continue to alternate date
CM Black motioned to adopt the budget as presented and certify the levy at
$790,458 for 1997. Seconded by CM Heidner.
All in favor. Motion carried
CM Black motioned to adjourn. Seconded by CM Heidner. All in favor. Motion
carried.
Meeting 0iourned at 7 PM.
�,� a aye -4 .
Mayor Norman F. Freske
A est: Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning'Administrator
Recorded by: Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk
City Seal