Min11 30 2020pubbudgethearing

Submitted for approval 12/14/2020 Village of Fox Crossing Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees – Budget Workshop Municipal Complex – Arden Tews Assembly Room Monday, November 30, 2020 - 6:00 pm Minutes 1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance President Dale Youngquist called the workshop to order at 6:00 p.m. Clerk Darla Fink noted those present in person: President Dale Youngquist, Trustee Kris Koeppe, Village Manager Jeffrey Sturgell, Director of Finance Myra Piergrossi, and Street Superintendent Randy Gallow. The following Board Members and Village Staff were present via teleconference: Trustee Michael Van Dyke, Trustee Gregory Ziegler, Trustee Mark Englebert, Trustee Dale McNamee, Trustee Barbara Hanson, Director of Community Development George Dearborn, Chief of Police Tim Seaver, Assistant Fire Chief Todd Sweeney, Director of Parks & Recreation Amanda Geiser, Utility Superintendent David Tracey, Director of Information Technology Tim Plagenz, and Attorney Andy Rossmeissl. There were three attendees. 2. Introduction of Village Board Members and Village Staff President Youngquist introduced the Village Staff attending the meeting in person. Director of Finance Myra Piergrossi introduced all of the Village Staff present via teleconference. President Youngquist commended Village Manager Jeffrey Sturgell, Director Piergrossi, and all of the Department Heads on the creation of this budget. He stated it was very well thought through and plans for future years to come. 3. Review of the Proposed 2021 Budgets of the Village of Fox Crossing and the Fox Crossing Utilities President Youngquist went through the highlights of the proposed budget. Overall, assessed values in the Village have increased 11.6%, which helped to reduce the impact of the Neenah Joint School District Referendum on the Village’s tax rates. The Village has excellent net new construction of just over 3%, which is two consecutive years which have been 3% or better. The Streets Department has been looking to add another street laborer for years which we are able to finally add in this year’s budget. Starting in 2021, we will be using Harter’s Disposal as our new garbage and recycling provider and will be expanding leaf collection services to the Village. Funds are being set aside for the SAFER Grant to continue funding the part-time firefighter program and the new Ladder Truck that was purchased in 2020 was added to the Equipment Replacement Fund. The Village tax rate went from $5.23/thousand to $5.01/thousand, a decrease of 4.2%. Some residents will see decreases, some will see no change, and others will see increases depending on their change in assessed value compared to other properties. President Youngquist presented charts showing the breakdown of how tax dollars are spent by department with the highest amounts being spent in the Police Department, Fire Department, and towards Debt Service. The Village’s tax rates are low compared to surrounding communities, some of which are increasing tax rates. Water rates are not increasing, however we are having a rate study completed so it is possible there will be an increase in upcoming years. The Village’s water rates have not increased since March 2012. Special Village Board Budget Workshop – November 30, 2020 2 Sewer rates will increase by 10% effective January 1, 2021. With increased treatment plant costs and debt payments coupled with decreased sewer consumption, the rates need to increase this year or we would be looking at an extreme increase next year. Stormwater rates will also increase by $10/year to $130.00 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) which is due to increased debt payments. A comparison was shown of the surrounding communities’ water, sewer, and stormwater rates. The Trustees commended the Department Heads on putting together a very fiscally responsible budget. Trustee Englebert explained the need for fee increases due to some older infrastructure that needs to be worked on/replaced. 4. Public Hearing MOTION: Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Van Dyke to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried. Natalie Russell 2231 Barbara Avenue She questioned how frequently the Village assesses properties. She stated she has only owned her property for one year and is looking to get clarification on the assessment process. Director Piergrossi explained we have a contract for full value assessment meaning Accurate Appraisal will complete a full value assessment of each property annually. She stated the market value of property can increase or decrease depending on how the market actually fluctuates so assessments are able to go up or down. She explained it just so happens that when the contract with Accurate Appraisal was signed, prices went up significantly, and then went up again this year. MOTION: Trustee Koeppe, seconded by Trustee Hanson to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried. 5. New Business a) 201130-1: SP Adopt the 2021 Village Budget and Associated Tax Levy MOTION: Trustee Koeppe, seconded by Trustee Ziegler to adopt the 2021 Village Budget and Associated Tax Levy. On roll call vote, Motion carried 7-0. 6. Adjourn At 7:00 p.m., MOTION: Trustee Koeppe, seconded by Trustee Hanson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Darla M. Fink, Village Clerk Note: These minutes are not to be considered official until acted upon at an upcoming regular meeting, therefore, are subject to revision.