By Jolene Farley
At the Hills City Council public hearing on the proposed 2002 city budget residents expressed concern over increases in some areas.
The total budget for 2001 was $147,533 with a proposed budget for 2002 of $172,277. The jump for the year 2002 budget was 16.8 percent.
The 2001 property taxes were $24,104 with proposed property taxes for 2002 of $49,204. This reflects a change of 103.4 percent.
These amounts compare the portion of the budget levied in property taxes in the city of Hills for 2001 with the property taxes the City proposes to collect in 2002.
The sharp increase caused concern among residents attending the meeting. The council pointed out many residential properties actually had a tax decrease due to the restructured tax system in Minnesota.
Also, council members pointed out the city budget decreased from 1999 to 2000 by $29,000.
Seal coating work for the streets and camera and sewer work in the sewer system are the main reasons for the increase this year, according to the council.
"You don't levy for it every year because you aren't doing it every year," said Mayor George Langford.
Seal coating was done in 1999 at a cost of $57,200. Seal-coating is done in alternating sections of town about every five years.
Resident Erwin DeBoer questioned why the city sewer system wasn't self-supporting after noting the amount needed for sewer work in 2002.
"We are trying to get it up to the point where it takes care of itself again," said council member Jim Jellema.
The council increased rates this year but chose a gradual increase over a few years versus a sharp increase in one year.
"By spending the extra money, it has been cutting down the flow into the ponds," said Langford. The cost of the camera work and repairs is $5,000 per city block. The city plans to have the work done on five blocks in 2002.
When the cameras locate leaks in the sewer system, they are sealed up, reducing the amount of silt that seeps into the system and is carried to the ponds, according to Langford. The pond, though still operating fine, is past its life expectancy.
The next topic was $15,000 budgeted for work on the American Legion Hall. "I feel it's a building worth saving," said Langford.
"We are better off to keep 'piecemealing' and get along with what we have. Better than hitting the taxpayers with a $300,000 to $400,000 bill (to build new)," agreed council member Jim Jellema.
Mayor Langford pointed out that with rental money the city receives from the Post Office, Keith Elbers, and special events they are close to breaking even.
In other business:
Mayor Langford announced his intention to move to Luverne after his house in Hills sells. He told the council he hopes to remain on as mayor as long as possible. Langford has two years remaining on his three-year term.
Prairie Fire Internet Tech. wants to install high-speed wireless Internet equipment on the water tower. The towers send signals six to 10 miles out, depending on the lay of the land. The company would offer broad band Internet service to private customers, businesses and possibly the school.
Nick Wysong approached the council about setting up an ice skating rink. The council decided it needed to clarify that the city will have no responsibility for the project.
Christmas tree pickup will be the week of Jan. 7.