HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-1997 Truth in Taxation Minutes RevisedREVISED
• MINUTES OF THE TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING
HELD AT 7:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3,1997
IN THE ORONO COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Members present: Mayor Jabbour and Council Members Goetten, Peterson, Flint and Kelley. Staff
present: City Administrator Ron Moorse, Finance Director Tom Kuehn, Assistant Finance Director
Chris Miller, and Management Analyst/Accountant Ron Olson.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Jabbour. Mayor Jabbour indicated the
purpose of the Truth In Taxation hearing was to provide an opportunity for Citizens to obtain
information about the proposed 1998 Budget and Tax Levy. Moorse provided a brief summary of
the budget and tax levy. He indicated the General Fund Budget, which has the greatest impact on
the Tax Levy, is proposed at $3,638,095 for 1998. This is an increase of 5.53% over the 1997
budget. The total tax levy required to fund the overall 1998 city budget is $2,225,130. This is an
increase of $63,500 or 2.94% over the 1997 levy.
The reasons for the tax lees increase are cost -of- living based increases in a number of expenditure
items. including employee compensation, and the creation of a Police Sergeant position.
• Moorse also indicated the proposed tax levy would result in a reduction in the city's share of the
property tax bill for homes in Orono, assuming no change in home valuations. Moorse concluded
by indicating the budget is fiscally conservative in that it minimizes the tax levy increase while
addressing priority program needs, and both short term and long term infrastructure needs.
•
Mayor Jabbour asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the budget from the public.
Mr. Arnoldy indicated he had a question regarding the valuation of his property. Mayor Jabbour
indicated questions regarding property valuation could best be addressed by the City Assessor, and
suggested Mr. Arnoldy contact the City Assessor.
There being no further comments, Mayor Jabbour closed the hearing and announced that the
subsequent levy adoption hearing would be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 1997.
ATTEST:
Gabr el Jabbour, Mayor