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Scandia shows low property tax rating
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Wednesday, 12 December 2007
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Fred Heinonen
Scandia Area Reporter
On Monday, Dec. 3, the Scandia City Council completed a public hearing on its proposed 2008 budget and proposed property tax levy for the coming year. City Administrator, Anne Hurlburt made a truth-in-taxation presentation to the council and about six residents.
Last week’s Truth in Taxation hearing was a first for the new city of Scandia.
The proposed total 2008 budget of $2,627,787 is 18.24 percent above 2007 at $2,222,469.
The proposed 2008 property tax of $1,703,589 is 11.06 percent above 2007 at $1,533,930. However, growth in taxable property value is up 6 percent, to affect a tax increase of only 4.45 percent.
The average Scandia residential homestead proposed 2008 market value of $391,700 increased 1.21 percent from 2007 at $387,000.
Solid tax ranking
According to the Minnesota Citizen’s League, property tax ranking for 2007 property tax on an average value home for cities and towns over 2000 population, Scandia’ city tax ranked 89 from among 117 communities.
For cities and towns over 2000 classified as metro smaller cities, Scandia ranked 22 of 24. This means only 28 out of 117 and two out of 24 comparable cities had lower city tax than Scandia.
Public comments at the meeting were mostly questions to get explanations about how the budget process works.
The fire department budget and May Township’s contribution for fire protection was questioned. Mayor Dennis Seefeldt, commended the fire department’s top rating, which contributes significantly to lower homeowner’s insurance rates.
The extent of the city incorporation expenses was questioned. All remaining incorporation expenses will be completed by the end of 2007.
The 2008 city budget and property tax levy is scheduled for adoption at the city council meeting 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18.
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