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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09/01/2015 Special City Council Minutes" SPECIAL MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on September 1, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Mitchell presided. I. ROLL CALL Members present: Anderson, Pederson, Martin, Cousineau, and Mitchell. Members absent: Also present: City Planner Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Public Safety Director Ed Belland, Finance Director Erin Barnhart and City Administrator Scott Johnson. II. 2016 CITY OF MEDINA PROPOSED TAXES AND EXPENDITURES Barnhart provided the City Council with the 2016 proposed budget and levy. The proposed 2016 tax levy was $3,748,650 with a tax levy rate of 23.46%. The preliminary estimates show the City's property tax rate would decrease from 23.58% in pay 2015 to 23.46% in pay 2016, or a .5% decrease in the rate. The proposed budget includes a 5.2% increase to the General Fund property tax levy for 2016. The General Fund Budget was proposed at $4,251,953. The $132,446 proposed increase will be utilized for the Tower Drive road project bonds (a year and a half payment), yearly allotments for the comprehensive plan and elections, increased insurance costs, and a proposed 2.5% cost of living increase for staff. Council reviewed the long-term needs for fire, equipment, road pavement management planning, utilities, neighboring cities tax rates, and the financial management plan. The financial management plan was updated and posted on the website. Robert Franklin, 2819 Lakeshore Avenue, asked how much of the increase would fall on existing home owners and why the utility increases are set at 3%. Barnhart explained the increase is approximately 5% on existing homes and the utility increases of 3% are based on the most current utility study. Mario Fabrizio, 290 Calamus Circle, suggested Medina use benchmarks across the board to allow residents to compare city functions with other cities in the country. Mayor Mitchell stated Medina is currently working on benchmarks and that it is tough to compare Medina with other cities from other states because the funding mechanisms for cities are different in each state. Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 1 September 1, 2015 IV. ADJOURN Mayor Mitchell adjourned the Work Session at 6:56 p.m. Bob Mitchell, Mayor Attest: Scott Johnson, Cit dministrator-Clerk Medina City Council Special Meeting Minutes 2 September 1, 2015