Victoria Gazette - The Scoop at City Hall

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PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR REC CENTER OPERATIONS WILL BE ZERO DOLLARS

DEBT SERVICE ON THE VICTORIA FACILITY

WILL NOW BE PAID BY OPERATIONS

City Manager Laurie Hokkanen pointed out that the $1.4 million in savings on the refunding of the Rec Center bonds stays with the Rec Center, which is how the city will be able to eliminate the annual debt service levy. The annual debt service savings will be around $90,000 per year over 15 years.

MAYBE IT’S TIME FOR VICTORIA TO BUILD A ROAD

AND UTILITIES IN THE 13.5 ACRES

THE IMPROVEMENTS WOULD COST $4 MILLION AND THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES

Council talked on August 8th about bringing a road (extending Stieger Lake Lane) and utilities through the city-owned 13.5 acres located west of existing downtown Victoria. It was pointed out that such a move would be financially possible if the city pushed other planned street improvements down the road four years to free up some funds.

PUBLIC HEARING IN OCTOBER TO CREATE

TIF DISTRICT FOR THE 13.5 ACRES

On August 22nd, Council approved a resolution calling for a public hearing on October 24th to consider creating a TIF District that could reimburse the city and/or developers for infrastructure improvements should they be approved for the city's 13.5 acres.

There is no financial impact in calling for a public hearing.

SOLICITING RFP’S TO DESIGN INFRASTRUCTURE

FOR THE 13.5 ACRES

On August 22nd, council voted 5-0 to solicit Request for Proposals for preliminary design of infrastructure for the 13.5 acres, including street, sewer, stormwater, and municipal water. City Manager Laurie Hokkanen pointed out that this motion does not obligate the city to spend any money.

ANOTHER FT DEPUTY FOR VICTORIA?

COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER IT AT BUDGET TIME

Two officers from the Carver County Sheriff's Department were part of a presentation at the August 22nd council meeting, Lieutenant Jeff Enevold and Commander Paul Tschida. Recommendation of the Department is to add a new full time deputy to the Victoria roster in July 2017.

FIRST CRACK AT 2017 VICTORIA BUDGET

GENERAL FUND LEVY COULD INCREASE BY 2.4%

"This is our first crack at the General Fund preliminary budget for 2017," said Finance Director Kelly Grinnell on August 8th. "The budget process for this year has gone pretty well. Overall, the [proposed] revenue and expenditure increases are not that high. The [proposed] levy increase is the largest in dollar size."

Kelly said overall revenues are projected to increase from the 2016 budget by 1.6% to $4,232,016. Overall expenditures and transfers are projected to increase by .75% to $4,200,701. The General Fund Levy is projected to increase by 2.4% to $3,258,000.

SIX RESIDENTS FILE FOR THREE POSITIONS

TO SERVE ON THE VICTORIA CITY COUNCIL

Two residents filed for the four-year position of Victoria City Mayor: Mayor Tom O'Connor for re-election and Thomas Funk. Four residents filed for the two other four-year council seats: Councilmember Tom Vogt, Derek Gunderson, Peter O'Gorman, and Tom Gregory.

LETTER FROM COUNCILMEMBER LANI BASA

WHO IS NOT RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION

Writes Councilmember Basa, After a few sleepless nights, many thoughts, and a lot of consideration, I have decided not to run again for a seat on the Council. This decision has not been easy to make.”

SHORTER CITY SCOOP FROM AUGUST

A FEW FISH CROSSING THE 8TH FAIRWAY

Council approved an expenditure of $21,750 from Kusske Construction to replace an outlet control structure on the east side of North Fairway Point in Deer Run. City Engineer Cara Geheren stated August 22nd, "This agenda is finally before you, after a year of work. There are flooding occurrences on Deer Run property but the water is coming from elsewhere.

Complete August City Scoop in paper edition.

The Victoria Fire Department

City of Victoria 952-443-2771

WATERBROOKE

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