HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03/06/2017COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 6, 2017
3:55 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Powers, Lind, Amos, Schmitt, and Welper.
Absent: Jacobs.
Moved by Welper seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Objective: Discussion of FY 18 budget.
Michelle Wiedner, Chief Financial Officer, provided a comparison of tax levy rankings and
property valuation rankings among the largest fifteen cities in Iowa and options for the budget.
Mayor Hart questioned how the size of waterloo compares to other large cities.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, commented that, a few years ago, he knew that Waterloo used to be
at 64 square miles, which made waterloo 3rd largest in the state.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if the low property valuations impact the levy as well.
Michelle Weidner confirmed.
Mr. Powers questioned if it would be helpful to cities to de -couple Ag land from valuations.
Michelle Weidner explained that several years ago Ag land value was based on the productivity
of the land and price per acre and it was tied to how much residential could increase, but
residential has been capped for many years and has not been able to keep up with Ag land.
Mr. Powers questioned if it could help residential if it was de -coupled with Ag land.
Michelle Weidner confirmed that it may help in the future if that change took place.
Mr. Morrissey questioned the effect Universities have on taxable value and levy rates.
Michelle Weidner explained that when you look at the three cities that have Universities, it
appears to have a positive impact on each community, as they appear to generate other taxable
property in the community.
Mayor Hart commented that Michelle Weidner received three different options from council.
Mr. Lind questioned if the goal for council is to lower the levy rate.
Mayor Hart commented that he believes the goal is to lower the levy rate.
Mr. Morrissey commented that though the goal is to get the levy rate to $16.50 by 2022 it may
be a roller coaster ride to get there and that it's a good goal but we may not be able to get there.
Mr. Powers commented that he is willing to see how close the city can get to the current funding,
if not below, and that it is important to maintain services.
Mr. Welper commented that he is not in favor of doing cuts but is in favor of finding new
revenue.
Mr. Schmitt commented that he believes high taxes are a hindrance to economic growth. He
further commented that life does not come to an end when positions and needs are not met and
that the city needs to keep working to find ways to outsource services.
Mr. Amos commented that he wants to see citizens have their needs met by services and believes
that the community is growing and that growth will help lower the levy rate over time.
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Mr. Lind commented that if the city increases taxes they are not serving the tax payers of
Waterloo.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, commented that Cedar Rapids is 70.8 square miles.
Mr. Morrissey questioned how the levy rate could stay the same but the residential tax payers
will have to pay more.
Michelle Weidner explained changes made by the state that impact residential taxes.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper seconded by Schmitt that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:39 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kelley Felc
City Clerk