Jennifer Kern
Staff Writer

The mayor and all four city council members took part in last weekís Truth in Taxation hearing, but less than 10 Forest Lake residents attended.

The hearing, which served as a forum for community members to discuss the 2006 proposed operating budget and levy, was held at city hall on Nov. 30.

City Administrator Chip Robinson gave a presentation on the budget, which proposed a property tax increase of 11.4 percent. He noted the budget includes increased spending for street improvements.

ìWeíre trying to pump some more money into streets and highways,î Robinson said.

Mayor Terry Smith and Council members Rick Ashbach, Judy Bull, Dick Tschida and Susan Young asked various budget questions to city staff in attendance at the hearing.

They also voiced opinions on such items as the cityís compost service and improving operations of the city-owned golf course.

One resident, Eugene Huerstel inquired about the cityís animal control program. Robinson noted routine patrol, operated through an agency in White Bear Lake, is conducted each week. A total of $15,000 is proposed in the budget for 2006, the same amount as 2005.

ìItís amazing how many animals are running loose,î commented Smith.

Huerstel also questioned the proposed budgetís $79,000 increase in culture and recreation spending. Robinson reported that the extra dollars have been earmarked for a new tractor/loader for the cityís parks.

The city council is expected to vote on the proposed budget at the councilís next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at city hall. Once certified, the levy will go on the local property tax levy in 2006.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605