06-26-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Long Lake/Orono Consolidation Committee Joint City Council Meeting Monday, June 5,2000 Page 8 Mn/DOT for replacement of its city facilities. Peterson stated the $577,000 figure is money that the merged city would be eligible to receive from the Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation to help pay for the e.xpenses associated with implementing the merger and improving Orono's facilities to accommodate Long Lake. Peterson stated the reimbursement money from Mn/DOT can be used to pay down Long Lake's ta.\es even further or used in some other fashion. Peterson pointed out the reimbursement monies from Mn/DOT are not reflected In the Committee's financial projections. Peterson noted the Consolidation Committee has not addressed the Issue of assessments, which would be an item the new City Council would need to address. Peterson commented the decision to use the name of Orono for the merged city was one of the final decisions made by the Committee, and would not have, in her view, negatively impacted the Committee's decision to recommend a merger. Jerry VoIIbrecht, Long Lake, stated the residents need to recognize that change is a part of life and that they need to look at what will benefit both communities by merging. VoIIbrecht pointed out the City of Long Lake is surrounded by the City of Orono with little room to grow. VoIIbrecht commented the City of Orono also has to realize that the residents of Long Lake feel threatened by Orono. VoIIbrecht inquired what the population of Orono is. Mayor Jabbour stated at full growth, including the area of Navarre, they are expecting a population of 9,500. with current population being approximately 7,800. VoIIbrecht noted the Committee does not identify a specific source for the additional monies in their financial projections. Fifield stated there are a lot of variables that go into funding local governments, with the Committee attempting to come up with some financial projections that are fair and equitable should the two cities merge. Fifield stated the numbers used are conservative and that it was apparent the residents of Long Lake would experience a large tax decrease with a merger. Fifield stated the City of Orono would need to add additional staff, et cetera, without a merger, which are decisions that are typically made by the City Council. Fifield stated some additional funding is necessary to hold taxes flat for the first year and to help keep taxes stabilized in the following years. Fifield stated in his opinion there are ample resources available to generate the additional funds. Robert Bonnett, Hopkins, stated he currently owns some property in Long Lake and has been reading the Committee's minutes on the internet. Bonnett noted the Committee is recommending the current zoning districts remain in place on an interim basis, and suggested