Little Canada approves 2022 budget with 5% tax increase
The Little Canada City Council unanimously approved a $4.38 million budget for 2022 and a 5% property tax levy increase on December 16, citing the need to cover rising personnel costs while maintaining the city's reputation for fiscal responsibility.
All five council members voted to adopt the 2022 budget and the 2021 tax levy collectible in 2022. The council chose a 5% levy increase—adding $179,080 to the city's tax base—over a proposed 4.5% alternative. The Finance Director explained that the city's 2021 certified levy stood at $3.58 million, and the increase is necessary to address upcoming salary adjustments and maintain city services.
The balanced budget allocates $4.38 million across city operations, with police services consuming the largest share at 41%, followed by parks and community services at 13% and general government at 13%. Property taxes account for 71% of the General Fund's revenue. Notable budget adjustments include a $2-per-hour increase for seasonal staff wages, additional hours for one position, and full-year budgeting for a code enforcement rental housing coordinator role previously deferred to mid-2021.
Council members praised the city's long-term financial planning, noting that Little Canada maintains one of the lowest tax rates in Ramsey County despite annual levy increases. One council member stated the city has "done a good job being moderate in our approach and not spending too much." The City Administrator attributed this success to proactive capital improvement planning, contrasting Little Canada's approach with neighboring cities like Wiper Township and Vadnais Heights, which faced steeper tax increases after deferring street maintenance investments.
The council also unanimously approved a motion to certify the debt levy for the Public Works building at zero. The $183,618.75 scheduled levy is covered by the city's water and sewer fund, preventing the cost from impacting general property taxpayers. No public comments were received during the public hearing on the budget and tax levy.
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Votes (4)
Public Hearing for 2022 Proposed Budget and 2021 Tax Levy
Moved by Council Member [15:00] · Seconded by Council Member [15:01]
A public hearing was conducted to receive comments on the 2022 proposed budget and the 2021 tax levy. It was noted that the purpose was not to discuss market values, as those calls had been handled individually. No public comments were received during the hearing.
Approval of 2021 Tax Levy Collectible in 2022
Moved by Council Member [15:08] · Seconded by Council Member [15:25]
The council considered two options for the tax levy increase: 5% or 4.5%. The Finance Director provided a detailed breakdown of how property tax dollars are allocated and the specific factors driving the proposed increases, including personnel costs and contract changes. Council members praised the city's financial prudence and its consistent ranking among the lowest tax rates in Ramsey County due to effective long-term planning. A motion was made and passed to adopt the 5% levy increase.
Approval of 2022 Budget and 2022 Salary and Wage Schedule
Moved by Council Member [15:35] · Seconded by Unknown Council Member [15:37]
The council reviewed and approved the balanced 2022 budget, totaling $4,383,310 in both expenditures and revenues. Property taxes account for 71% of the General Fund's revenue. Major budget items include 41% for police services, 13% for parks and community services, and 13% for general government. Notable budget adjustments included increased seasonal staff wages, additional FTE for a position, and full-year budgeting for the code enforcement rental housing coordinator. The 2022 salary and wage schedule, with minor verbal updates, was also approved as part of the budget.
Reduction in Debt Levy for Public Works Building
Moved by Unknown Council Member [15:52] · Seconded by Unknown Council Member [15:52]
A motion was made to certify the scheduled debt levy for the Public Works building at zero. The Finance Director explained that this is possible because the $183,618.75 levy is paid through the city's water and sewer fund, thereby preventing it from impacting the general property tax levy.
Notable Quotes (8)
for tonight we have conducting the public hearing and the proposed budget to the public and the purpose is not to address the market values but that uh residents we had a few calls on that brenda has dealt with those on a one-on-one basis so we would receive any public comment and it appears that we may have scared them away at this point
what we'll be discussing tonight is that 21 cents that comes back to the city here is our showing our certified levee for 2021 we were at three million five hundred eighty two thousand three hundred thirty dollars based on our preliminary levy which is also option one tonight uh we would have an increase of five percent to that levy or 179 thousand eighty dollars and then we also do have option two uh to consider uh that's a four point five percent uh increase in the levy or 161 thousand one hundred and fifty dollars
yes i'm mightily impressed that we've been able to decrease the level of city tax rate relative to our pure cities of the county um year after year despite having uh increases what it tells me is that as a city we've done a good job being moderate in our approach and not spending too much
the other two cities that were in front of us are lower than us in the past would be wiper township and badness heights and their biggest reason for jumping is they have had some deferred investment I would say in their public streets
I will make a motion that would go with the five percent thank you because I was a could have done that too I'll be the heavy this year somebody else's turn next year we will have uh no cost a month is not that great there's uh potentially salary increases that are coming up that we need to we need to deal with and that five percent will will help a lot more
budget outcomes of course our balanced budget and to continue to maintain city services um we do have an increase of seasonal staff wages of two dollars per hour we did in the proposed 2022 budget we have a 0.3 fte additional hours for one of our positions and uh additional three months are included in the budget as you remember we deferred the hiring of the code enforcement rental housing coordinator until uh the second quarter of 2021 so that is now a full year fte position or it's a part-time position but it's budgeted for a full year
we have a balanced budget and so here first of all is the expenditure side we've got 4 million three hundred eighty three thousand three hundred and ten dollars uh for that budget in expenditures the largest portion is forty one percent for police services
let's have one more motion to do the reduction in the debt levy as council knows we have a scheduled levy for the public works building of 183 618-75 we pay that with our water and sewer fund and so we can certify that levy at zero zero
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Budget adopted in September, serving as the basis for tonight's public hearing and discussions.
Budget presented for the public hearing and official adoption for the year 2022.
The property tax levy under consideration and approval for collection in the following year.
Schedule outlining compensation for city employees for the upcoming fiscal year.
Long-term plan for significant infrastructure and asset investments, crucial for city planning.
Bills sent by Ramsey County to taxpayers based on the preliminary levy.
An ongoing study to be completed in January/February, potentially leading to market salary adjustments.
Agreement with Ramsey County Sheriff's Department for police services, recently adjusted regarding funding allocation.
Agreement with Little Canada Fire Department for fire services.
Overarching city plan with key criteria (e.g., community enhancement, operational efficiency) influencing budget allocations.
A specific debt levy for the Public Works building, typically paid from the water and sewer fund.
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Other Topics from This Document
City Financial Management and Infrastructure Investment
Debt Levy Reduction for Public Works Building
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