12-08-2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO TRUTH IN TAXATION M EETING Monday, December 1, 2008 6:30 o’clock p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 5 Murphy stated the City needs to consider the long-term capital costs of making those improvements. White commented the City is open to suggestions on how to reduce costs. White noted the City Council would formally adopt the budget next week. Tim Traff commended the City Council on their efforts at reducing their costs. Traff noted his valuation has increased 25 percent this year and that in his view the housing prices have reached a peak and the tax assessor will need to decrease his valuations in the coming years, which will decrease the City’s revenue. Traff asked whether the City has a representative at the state to lobby for their interests. Traff stated the higher taxes and fees go, the more impact it has into all elements of society, which could potentially change the character of the city. White stated the various smaller cities will probably need to look at combining certain services in an effort to reduce costs. Carlson stated Orono has a fixed amount of acres and that they are approaching its capacity, which will result in fewer taxes being collected. Murphy stated there will be 100 percent turnover in their representation at the Minnesota Legislature in the next couple of years and that they have been lobbying for representatives that the City feels will support their interests. Murphy concurred the City should take a stronger approach at the state legislature. White closed the public hearing at 7:38. ADJOURNMENT Bremer moved, McMillan moved to adjourn the Truth in Taxation meeting at 7:38 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. ATTEST: ________________________________________ _______________________________________ Linda S. Vee, City Clerk James White, Mayor Item #03 - CC Agenda - 12/08/08 Approval of Truth in Taxation Minutes [Page 5 of 5]