Jessica Foster
Staff WriterResidents came to Forest Lake City Hall Monday night looking for answers. With tax statements in hand, they wanted explanations for the increase in city taxes at the annual Truth in Taxation meeting.
City Administrator Chip Robinson led the presentation outlining the 2005 city budget.
The proposed budget for 2005 is $9,361,162 compared to a 2004 budget of $8,746,119óa 6.6 percent increase.
Proposed property taxes in 2005 total $4,531,359, compared to $3,603,796 in 2004. This represents an increase of 25.7 percent.
For 2005, Washington County reports an average increase in valuation at 15 percent.
Therefore, an individual who was in a home valued at $217,400 last year paid $555.18 in city taxes.
That same home, with an increase in valuation to $250,000 can expect to pay $681.09 in city property taxes.
Some residents at Mondayís meeting reported increases in the $200 and $300 range. And they wanted answers.
Other residents reported minimal increases in the city portion of their tax bill. The increases were relative to the homeís value and the percentage of increase in home value.
Robinson has agreed to sit down with concerned residents to go over their tax statements.
Budget increases in 2005 can be credited to a $372,000 reduction in Local Government Aid, an addition of a police officer, more spending in public works and a decrease in building permits.
The city council is expected to approve the budget at its next regular meeting Monday, Dec. 13.
The budget was drafted by City Administrator Chip Robinson and Finance Director Ellen Paulseth. The proposed budget is available for viewing at the cityís website at www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us.
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