In Crow Wing County there is a rather high incidence of property reverting to the county under tax forfeit laws. If taxes aren’t paid for a period of time state law provides that the owner, in essence, has abandoned his ownership. The county then takes jurisdiction and ownership of the property.
Once this occurs the county designates the property as “Conservation” meaning it is conserved for a period of time. The jurisdiction where the property is located is given the opportunity to review the properties prior to a change in status to “Non-Conservation” which means they can then sell the property. The city, with their review, can maintain the property as Conservation. The governing body would need to say they are interested in the property. The county has the option to deed the property to the local jurisdiction if there is a public purpose at no cost. This is done with a deed restriction limiting the use of the property. The county also has the option to sell the property outright.
For number of years Crow Wing County had allowed cities to acquire properties for public purposes at no cost. This became a problem with the amount of property that had to be accounted for and the various designated public purposes. Trying to manage these with enforcement became overwhelming. Cities started with good intentions and generally fulfilled those obligations but there were some of these properties that, over time, had shifted in use. Doing so negates the agreement for the property. When this happens the property can revert back to the county for disposition. The resources needed to manage enforcement became a problem.
Crow Wing County determined that, regardless of buyer, the property would be sold at a fair market price. The city could reserve the property for a period of time but would have to eventually purchase it. Funds for purchase of tax forfeited property go to the county. A portion of the sale price is paid to the local jurisdiction.
The properties the county is changing to Non-Conservation are reviewed by the city on an annual basis. One property that was felt desirable this year was considered for drainage. The City Council considered the purchase and determined the need wasn’t strong enough to justify the expense. So for this go around, the city won’t be acquiring any tax forfeited properties and hope the land returns to the tax roles for development.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Wildwood Access Closing?
I have written in the past about the process and progress that was being made with the improvements proposed for Co. Rd. 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. Crow Wing County had undertaken a study of this corridor to develop a greater understanding of the needs that exist from a traffic safety standpoint. They also wanted to take a futuristic look at what might happen when the 371 Bypass is built in Pequot Lakes. This is anticipated for 2018 and when built, traffic patterns will change. Anticipating how things might change helps to anticipate how best to manage the future.
Through this study process a Task Force was established to help the county better understand local needs and perspectives. The Task Force was composed of local public officials. The Task Force worked with a consultant Traffic Engineer on a plan that would enhance traffic movements while also providing for safety improvements. With these things in mind those areas of concern were identified and possible solutions were posed.
One of these situations was the possibility of closing the access to Wildwood Lane from Co. Road 11. This would require the diversion of traffic down Ski Chalet to Ranchette Drive to access Co. Rd. 11 at that location. As the process occurred two Public Open Houses were held to let the public know what was occurring and what was being considered. The second Open House was held on February 23rd and residents who held property which gained access off of Wildwood Lane were specifically invited to attend. At the meeting the issues were explained and comments were heard from the residents. The comments received showed little support for the closing of this access point. The primary concerns included extended driving access times and distances, additional emergency response times and the need to provide other improvements to support the closure.
At the March 5th City Council meeting the City Council conserved the question of closure of Wildwood Lane to Co. Rd. 11 and rejected the idea. They also made suggestions for improvements for the county to consider. One such improvement, a bypass lane, will be considered by the county for implementation however the project is driven by the budget available and if the additional work can be accommodated it will be done. The entire project includes, in addition to a mill and overlay, improvements at Ranchette and at Eagle View Elementary School. It is hoped there are sufficient funds to do the additional work but we will not know until the bids are received.
Through this study process a Task Force was established to help the county better understand local needs and perspectives. The Task Force was composed of local public officials. The Task Force worked with a consultant Traffic Engineer on a plan that would enhance traffic movements while also providing for safety improvements. With these things in mind those areas of concern were identified and possible solutions were posed.
One of these situations was the possibility of closing the access to Wildwood Lane from Co. Road 11. This would require the diversion of traffic down Ski Chalet to Ranchette Drive to access Co. Rd. 11 at that location. As the process occurred two Public Open Houses were held to let the public know what was occurring and what was being considered. The second Open House was held on February 23rd and residents who held property which gained access off of Wildwood Lane were specifically invited to attend. At the meeting the issues were explained and comments were heard from the residents. The comments received showed little support for the closing of this access point. The primary concerns included extended driving access times and distances, additional emergency response times and the need to provide other improvements to support the closure.
At the March 5th City Council meeting the City Council conserved the question of closure of Wildwood Lane to Co. Rd. 11 and rejected the idea. They also made suggestions for improvements for the county to consider. One such improvement, a bypass lane, will be considered by the county for implementation however the project is driven by the budget available and if the additional work can be accommodated it will be done. The entire project includes, in addition to a mill and overlay, improvements at Ranchette and at Eagle View Elementary School. It is hoped there are sufficient funds to do the additional work but we will not know until the bids are received.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Refinancing
In looking at finances for the city we always look at expenditures and working within the budget. We also look at revenues outside of taxes. Both of these to minimize the impact of the tax levy. And then there is managing obligations you have already committed to. By this I mean debt service.
So what is debt service? For most people this is the monthly mortgage or car payment. In the realm of governments it’s the payment on debt incurred on bonds. Cities incur debt to accomplish public improvements. Typically these are road, utility and building projects. Almost without exception all cities incur debt to better their communities.
Incurring debt means there is a repayment, otherwise known as debt service. The repayment on bonds is accomplished over the life of the bond which can range up to thirty years but typically most bonds are 10 to 20 years. With a mortgage you can generally pay off the debt at any time. With a bond you have a “call”. A call is the opportunity to pay off the bond at a point in the future. You call the bonds so you can pay them off. When a bond is structured the call is usually set about half way through the life of the bond. After that point you can pay off the bond. Prior to that, you are bound to the terms of the bond (loan) at the interest rates and payment schedule that was set.
With the recent historic low interest rates in the market, the opportunity to refinance debt has been on everyone’s minds. With bonds, if you have reached the call date it is a relatively easy process to do a refunding (refinancing) of the bonds. What happens however if you haven’t met your call date? You still have the opportunity to do something but the process gets a bit more complicated.
What is done is called a Cross-Over Refunding, sometimes called an advanced refunding. What is done is we sell bonds ahead of the call date to refinance the bond after the call date but in the process you also assume enough debt to cover the payments on the bond you’re refinancing. An escrow fund is established to manage that period of time while you have both bonds outstanding. In doing so you have a short term impact of higher debt but at the call date one bond is paid and the new bond takes over. The point of all this is to reduce your overall long term costs with lower interest rates, and smaller debt service requirements.
Recently the City of Breezy Point accomplished a Cross-Over Refunding taking two bonds and rolling them into one, taking the opportunity to save money in debt service. Before a bond can be refinanced it needs to meet certain criteria in terms of savings. The preliminary analysis showed the criteria were met. At the outset the savings were estimated, over the life of the bonds, to be $255,000. At the time of the sale the savings increased to $290,226.53.
Accomplishing the task was well worth it. The savings won’t be materialized until after the call date but at that point the city is in a position to see reductions in annual debt service requirements.
So what is debt service? For most people this is the monthly mortgage or car payment. In the realm of governments it’s the payment on debt incurred on bonds. Cities incur debt to accomplish public improvements. Typically these are road, utility and building projects. Almost without exception all cities incur debt to better their communities.
Incurring debt means there is a repayment, otherwise known as debt service. The repayment on bonds is accomplished over the life of the bond which can range up to thirty years but typically most bonds are 10 to 20 years. With a mortgage you can generally pay off the debt at any time. With a bond you have a “call”. A call is the opportunity to pay off the bond at a point in the future. You call the bonds so you can pay them off. When a bond is structured the call is usually set about half way through the life of the bond. After that point you can pay off the bond. Prior to that, you are bound to the terms of the bond (loan) at the interest rates and payment schedule that was set.
With the recent historic low interest rates in the market, the opportunity to refinance debt has been on everyone’s minds. With bonds, if you have reached the call date it is a relatively easy process to do a refunding (refinancing) of the bonds. What happens however if you haven’t met your call date? You still have the opportunity to do something but the process gets a bit more complicated.
What is done is called a Cross-Over Refunding, sometimes called an advanced refunding. What is done is we sell bonds ahead of the call date to refinance the bond after the call date but in the process you also assume enough debt to cover the payments on the bond you’re refinancing. An escrow fund is established to manage that period of time while you have both bonds outstanding. In doing so you have a short term impact of higher debt but at the call date one bond is paid and the new bond takes over. The point of all this is to reduce your overall long term costs with lower interest rates, and smaller debt service requirements.
Recently the City of Breezy Point accomplished a Cross-Over Refunding taking two bonds and rolling them into one, taking the opportunity to save money in debt service. Before a bond can be refinanced it needs to meet certain criteria in terms of savings. The preliminary analysis showed the criteria were met. At the outset the savings were estimated, over the life of the bonds, to be $255,000. At the time of the sale the savings increased to $290,226.53.
Accomplishing the task was well worth it. The savings won’t be materialized until after the call date but at that point the city is in a position to see reductions in annual debt service requirements.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thanks to Wiebolt and Narveson
This summer Crow Wing County will be undertaking improvements to Co. Rd. 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. The primary focus of the improvements was to be a mill and overlay of the two driving lanes. They also however decided this was a good opportunity to look at short term and long term needs for this corridor. A Task Force was established that included representatives from Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, Pequot Lakes School District, Ideal and Jenkins Townships.
The Task Force has looked at the areas along this strength of highway and identified those areas that are problematic from a traffic flow and safety concern. A traffic engineer from Bolton and Menk has worked with the Task Force to develop concepts that could and will improve the corridor. Improvements that are considered to be built include a new intersection layout at Ranchette with left and right turn lanes, turning lanes at the school entrance/Edgewater Farm Drive, a bypass lane at the ice arena and the potential for other improvements as funding provides.
There are a number of issues that have been encountered along the way. Some of these are yet to be resolved and a few have seen resolution. One of these was the right-of-way on Edgewater Farm Drive. When the school was established the entrance at the school was off set from that of Edgewater Farm Drive. By this I mean the roadways in the intersection did not align directly across from each other. With a configuration such as this there are numerous points of conflict with traffic flow. At the time of establishment it was not felt that this would be a problem by some. As development occurred however, more and more traffic was generated causing a good deal of problems with this non-alignment.
Recognizing the problem the city worked with the land owners, Pelican Development of Breezy Point, LLC to gain an easement and the roadway was moved to provide for the proper alignment. This easement was temporary in nature and was due to expire in September of 2013. With the proposed roadway improvements the county was anticipating, a more permanent solution was needed.
Pelican Development of Breezy Point, LLC has given the city the necessary easement to continue with the alignment at the Eagle View Elementary School. Neal Narveson and Mike Wiebolt are the owners of this property. These local businessmen saw the need in the community and fulfilled that need. On behalf of the City of Breezy Point I want to thank them for their community service in fulfilling that need.
The Task Force has looked at the areas along this strength of highway and identified those areas that are problematic from a traffic flow and safety concern. A traffic engineer from Bolton and Menk has worked with the Task Force to develop concepts that could and will improve the corridor. Improvements that are considered to be built include a new intersection layout at Ranchette with left and right turn lanes, turning lanes at the school entrance/Edgewater Farm Drive, a bypass lane at the ice arena and the potential for other improvements as funding provides.
There are a number of issues that have been encountered along the way. Some of these are yet to be resolved and a few have seen resolution. One of these was the right-of-way on Edgewater Farm Drive. When the school was established the entrance at the school was off set from that of Edgewater Farm Drive. By this I mean the roadways in the intersection did not align directly across from each other. With a configuration such as this there are numerous points of conflict with traffic flow. At the time of establishment it was not felt that this would be a problem by some. As development occurred however, more and more traffic was generated causing a good deal of problems with this non-alignment.
Recognizing the problem the city worked with the land owners, Pelican Development of Breezy Point, LLC to gain an easement and the roadway was moved to provide for the proper alignment. This easement was temporary in nature and was due to expire in September of 2013. With the proposed roadway improvements the county was anticipating, a more permanent solution was needed.
Pelican Development of Breezy Point, LLC has given the city the necessary easement to continue with the alignment at the Eagle View Elementary School. Neal Narveson and Mike Wiebolt are the owners of this property. These local businessmen saw the need in the community and fulfilled that need. On behalf of the City of Breezy Point I want to thank them for their community service in fulfilling that need.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Pelican Woods Cemetery
As the city continues to make improvements to the cemetery the needs there continue to come to the forefront. We have a very dedicated bunch of local volunteer citizens who spend countless hours working in the cemetery on a regular basis. I call them the “Friends of the Cemetery”. Their numbers include not only Cemetery Commission members but also those who enjoy seeing the beauty of the grounds and the comradely in their weekly pursuits. The chair of the commission requested they be recognized for their dedication at a recent council meeting.
Others have noted the hard work and efforts that are being made in the cemetery. Last year a donation was made for improvements which were utilized to create a Veterans memorial. The first phase is hoped to be completed early next year. The City of Breezy Point was recently blessed with a second donation of $10,000 from the Fletcher Foundation for improvements in the Cemetery.
The donation was noted for landscaping which continues to be an issue for the cemetery. With the underground burying of the power lines along Ski Chalet the glide path for airplanes has changed. That being said there are trees in the cemetery that pose risks for pilots in air traffic. With the removal of trees, replacements will be required in some areas.
If you haven’t had a chance to drive through the Pelican Woods Cemetery in the summer when flowers are in bloom you are missing something. The efforts of the “Friends” to maintain the grounds provides for a beautiful place. Another great time to visit is the annual Butterfly event. This event has been moved up to be July 21 this coming summer. There were many factors in the change of dates but one of them included greater flower blooms at that time of the year. Make it a point to visit Pelican Woods Cemetery.
Others have noted the hard work and efforts that are being made in the cemetery. Last year a donation was made for improvements which were utilized to create a Veterans memorial. The first phase is hoped to be completed early next year. The City of Breezy Point was recently blessed with a second donation of $10,000 from the Fletcher Foundation for improvements in the Cemetery.
The donation was noted for landscaping which continues to be an issue for the cemetery. With the underground burying of the power lines along Ski Chalet the glide path for airplanes has changed. That being said there are trees in the cemetery that pose risks for pilots in air traffic. With the removal of trees, replacements will be required in some areas.
If you haven’t had a chance to drive through the Pelican Woods Cemetery in the summer when flowers are in bloom you are missing something. The efforts of the “Friends” to maintain the grounds provides for a beautiful place. Another great time to visit is the annual Butterfly event. This event has been moved up to be July 21 this coming summer. There were many factors in the change of dates but one of them included greater flower blooms at that time of the year. Make it a point to visit Pelican Woods Cemetery.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Final Chapters
Some things just take time. There is complexity. There is size. There is financing. There are parties that need to be involved. There are sales that have to occur. There are a host of miscellaneous tasks associated with anything to get it done right.
Whitebirch, Inc developed a project known as Whitebirch Estates. Approval was given by the city on February 7, 2000. This is a planned community of 75 timeshare units adjacent to the Whitebirch Golf Course and Antler’s Restaurant. The complex contains a pool and meeting room facility which has been a wonderful complement to the community.
With construction that has been finished this year the final units were built. This development has seen continued progress over the course of many years with 5 supplemental plats being accomplished along the way. The 5th Supplemental Plat of Whitebirch Estates was approved by the Breezy Point City Council at their December 5th, 2011 meeting bringing to a close the final actions, from the city perspective, for this development.
Whitebirch should be congratulated for bringing to a close this development. I wish them continued success with this development.
Whitebirch, Inc developed a project known as Whitebirch Estates. Approval was given by the city on February 7, 2000. This is a planned community of 75 timeshare units adjacent to the Whitebirch Golf Course and Antler’s Restaurant. The complex contains a pool and meeting room facility which has been a wonderful complement to the community.
With construction that has been finished this year the final units were built. This development has seen continued progress over the course of many years with 5 supplemental plats being accomplished along the way. The 5th Supplemental Plat of Whitebirch Estates was approved by the Breezy Point City Council at their December 5th, 2011 meeting bringing to a close the final actions, from the city perspective, for this development.
Whitebirch should be congratulated for bringing to a close this development. I wish them continued success with this development.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Master Park and Trail Plan
After about two years work the Park and Recreation Committee have completed the Master Park and Trail Plan for the city. The plan takes a look at the park facilities we have, classifies them as to the type of park and does an inventory of what amenities and equipment are available in each. Trails have also been identified within the plan.
Various aspects of maintenance, operations, fiscal resources as well as the strategic, public relations and marketing plans were also identified. An appendix includes resources of maps, and figures identifying the parks and their location. Finally a Capital Improvement Plan is included.
The plan is visionary in nature. It identifies those improvements which are proposed both on a long and short term basis for each park. It also identifies trail linkages that would improve pedestrian circulation and safety. The Capital Improvement Plan provides for scheduled improvements over the next five years. The plan is however budget and resource driven. If the funds are not available proposed improvements will not be accomplished. The plan is reviewed on an annual basis to update and adjust as needs and funding provide.
The Park and Recreation Committee did a very complete and meticulous job. The Planning Commission was pleased with the plan and recommended approval. The City Council adopted the plan on December 20th. The Chair, Wini Kristufek, did the great majority of the work in compiling the plan and the process towards completion. I, along with the City Council, want to extend “Thank You’s” to her and the Park and Recreation Committee for a job well done. The outcome was great!
Various aspects of maintenance, operations, fiscal resources as well as the strategic, public relations and marketing plans were also identified. An appendix includes resources of maps, and figures identifying the parks and their location. Finally a Capital Improvement Plan is included.
The plan is visionary in nature. It identifies those improvements which are proposed both on a long and short term basis for each park. It also identifies trail linkages that would improve pedestrian circulation and safety. The Capital Improvement Plan provides for scheduled improvements over the next five years. The plan is however budget and resource driven. If the funds are not available proposed improvements will not be accomplished. The plan is reviewed on an annual basis to update and adjust as needs and funding provide.
The Park and Recreation Committee did a very complete and meticulous job. The Planning Commission was pleased with the plan and recommended approval. The City Council adopted the plan on December 20th. The Chair, Wini Kristufek, did the great majority of the work in compiling the plan and the process towards completion. I, along with the City Council, want to extend “Thank You’s” to her and the Park and Recreation Committee for a job well done. The outcome was great!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Final Tax Levy
The final levy was adopted by the Breezy Point City Council at their December 5th meeting. The levy is the same amount as that of last year, a zero percent increase. However with that being said the majority of taxpayers are seeing an increase in their taxes for several reasons. Some of these are more obvious than others so let me explain.
The city levy remians the same as last year but other jurisdictions also raise revenue with taxes. The county and the school district are the major ones. There is also a small levy associated with the Regional Development Commission and some properties within the 50 Lakes Watershed District.
Another factor in raising taxes is that of referendums. Pequot Lakes Schools added a levy for a school building project that will taxes that start in 2012. There are also excess levy referendums that show up on the tax bill.
With changes in the market value of your property, changes occur to your tax bill. Properties can increase and decrease in value affecting taxes. A change in the market value this year which was new was the Market Value Homestead Exclusion. This program reduced “taxable market value” of homesteaded properties on a sliding scale with the most benefit going to homestead properties with a market value of $76,000 and no benefit to properties with a market value in excess of $413,800. The effects of this are lower valued homestead properties see a reduction in value for tax purposes and higher valued homestead properties get smaller or no reduction in taxable market value. Overall this change leads to a reduction in the total tax capacity for a jurisdiction. It also leads to a shifting of tax burden from lower value homestead properties to all other taxpayers.
Changes in the taxing jurisdictions total value can have an effect on your tax. In Breezy Point we saw a reduction in total taxable value of 14.7%. These reductions came from general declines in property valuation, the market value homestead exclusion, tax appeals and other downward adjustments.
Each property sees different changes based on the whole as well as individual characteristics. Each city has a different shift in tax burden as a result of these types of dynamics. If your homestead property has a value of $150,000 or less you probably saw a reduction in city taxes. If your homestead property exceeds that amount your city taxes likely increased. All other taxable property saw increases in taxes as a result of these changes.
The city levy remians the same as last year but other jurisdictions also raise revenue with taxes. The county and the school district are the major ones. There is also a small levy associated with the Regional Development Commission and some properties within the 50 Lakes Watershed District.
Another factor in raising taxes is that of referendums. Pequot Lakes Schools added a levy for a school building project that will taxes that start in 2012. There are also excess levy referendums that show up on the tax bill.
With changes in the market value of your property, changes occur to your tax bill. Properties can increase and decrease in value affecting taxes. A change in the market value this year which was new was the Market Value Homestead Exclusion. This program reduced “taxable market value” of homesteaded properties on a sliding scale with the most benefit going to homestead properties with a market value of $76,000 and no benefit to properties with a market value in excess of $413,800. The effects of this are lower valued homestead properties see a reduction in value for tax purposes and higher valued homestead properties get smaller or no reduction in taxable market value. Overall this change leads to a reduction in the total tax capacity for a jurisdiction. It also leads to a shifting of tax burden from lower value homestead properties to all other taxpayers.
Changes in the taxing jurisdictions total value can have an effect on your tax. In Breezy Point we saw a reduction in total taxable value of 14.7%. These reductions came from general declines in property valuation, the market value homestead exclusion, tax appeals and other downward adjustments.
Each property sees different changes based on the whole as well as individual characteristics. Each city has a different shift in tax burden as a result of these types of dynamics. If your homestead property has a value of $150,000 or less you probably saw a reduction in city taxes. If your homestead property exceeds that amount your city taxes likely increased. All other taxable property saw increases in taxes as a result of these changes.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Automatic CPR?
Have you ever heard of an automated CPR machine? Until recently I didn’t know they existed but leave it to those with a need and someone will develop it. An automated machine that does CPR heart compressions does in fact exist! It is known as the Lucas Chest Compression System. This is an interesting device. It runs pneumatically under a compressed air using a cylinder or wall outlet so an electrical source isn’t needed. This makes it portable and can be used at first response, in an ambulance, any transport vehicle and the hospital.
Through the efforts of our Paramedic Jason Rieber a grant was written to pay for the purchase of one of these units. The grant request was for $10,000 and was awarded to Breezy Point to be used in our Paramedic Program. We do have good staff, thank you Jason!
The grant was awarded from the MN Resuscitation Consortium which was founded by the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine. The consortium is part of a program through Medtronic Foundation Heart Rescue grant to improve outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrests. The paramedics using this system will also collect data on successes with this program for duplication in other regions.
We will very soon being using a new form of life saving equipment in our paramedic program and assisting research in saving lives due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Through the efforts of our Paramedic Jason Rieber a grant was written to pay for the purchase of one of these units. The grant request was for $10,000 and was awarded to Breezy Point to be used in our Paramedic Program. We do have good staff, thank you Jason!
The grant was awarded from the MN Resuscitation Consortium which was founded by the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine. The consortium is part of a program through Medtronic Foundation Heart Rescue grant to improve outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrests. The paramedics using this system will also collect data on successes with this program for duplication in other regions.
We will very soon being using a new form of life saving equipment in our paramedic program and assisting research in saving lives due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Proposed County Road 11 Improvements - Open House
A while ago I wrote about the efforts of Crow Wing County Highway Department to look at County Road 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. The point of the effort was to be proactive in looking at future needs for this corridor and address safety issues as much as the budget will provide.
Through that discussion there surfaced four study areas, three of them in Breezy Point. These include the roadway section by the Eagleview Elementary School, the area near the Ice Arena including Ranchette and lastly Whitebirch Drive. The county is seeking grant funds for improvements to these areas and a recent discussion with the city council that concurred with the need for improvements to these areas.
What is being considered would be a right and left turn lanes in both directions at the school entrance intersection. The east bound right turn is proposed to be detached somewhat south allowing for sight lines to be open to traffic exiting the school. This is similar to what was done in the commercial stretch on 371 in Baxter. Having right and left turn lanes here provide for more efficient traffic flow. It is also hoped that a left turn lane can be done at the school bus driveway.
In the area of the Ice Arena the existing two access points to County Road 11 would be closed in favor of one slightly to the west. Ranchette would also see right and left turn lanes in both directions. This will improve traffic flow here and also address the volume of traffic used by this intersection.
Although grant funding is limited it is hoped that a right turn lane and westbound bypass lane is available for Whitebirch Drive. Road construction is an expensive proposition and with only $500,000 available, assuming grant funding is received, it can only go so far.
An open house is scheduled at Eagleview Elementary School for December 15, between 5-7 pm. Maps and costs will be available for review. Come early as the school has a Christmas concert that night starting at 7:00 pm. We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals under discussion.
Assuming funding is available these improvements will be accomplished this summer. These would be installed along with the mill and overlay project that is planned between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes. Here’s hoping it all comes together.
Through that discussion there surfaced four study areas, three of them in Breezy Point. These include the roadway section by the Eagleview Elementary School, the area near the Ice Arena including Ranchette and lastly Whitebirch Drive. The county is seeking grant funds for improvements to these areas and a recent discussion with the city council that concurred with the need for improvements to these areas.
What is being considered would be a right and left turn lanes in both directions at the school entrance intersection. The east bound right turn is proposed to be detached somewhat south allowing for sight lines to be open to traffic exiting the school. This is similar to what was done in the commercial stretch on 371 in Baxter. Having right and left turn lanes here provide for more efficient traffic flow. It is also hoped that a left turn lane can be done at the school bus driveway.
In the area of the Ice Arena the existing two access points to County Road 11 would be closed in favor of one slightly to the west. Ranchette would also see right and left turn lanes in both directions. This will improve traffic flow here and also address the volume of traffic used by this intersection.
Although grant funding is limited it is hoped that a right turn lane and westbound bypass lane is available for Whitebirch Drive. Road construction is an expensive proposition and with only $500,000 available, assuming grant funding is received, it can only go so far.
An open house is scheduled at Eagleview Elementary School for December 15, between 5-7 pm. Maps and costs will be available for review. Come early as the school has a Christmas concert that night starting at 7:00 pm. We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals under discussion.
Assuming funding is available these improvements will be accomplished this summer. These would be installed along with the mill and overlay project that is planned between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes. Here’s hoping it all comes together.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Accessory Building Height
An issue that crept into the zoning arena this summer was that of accessory structure height. There were some parties that wanted to build larger structures with roofs that matched that of the home but the rules provided for a lower height than what was allowed. There were a few issues that needed to be addressed to deal with this issue.
The first dealt with the code not having a definition for accessory structure height. There was a definition for building height but all references to accessory structure height did not deal with that definition. On the surface building height for accessory structures was held to 15 feet at the highest point of the structure. Another approach was needed.
Using the building height, as the standard, was considered but the definition was almost impossible to understand. After one Planning Commission member drew a picture of what it stated, the light bulb came on, but definitions shouldn’t be that complicated. A new definition was needed that was less complicated and a picture in the code would be helpful.
With current forms of building and larger accessory structures, steeper roofs for accessory structures were requested to match that the principle structure. The code didn’t provide for this so with a new definition some additional height could be accomplished. The definition basically used the average of the roof portion of the building to determine building height, rather than the peak. This still didn’t meet needs however.
The sticking point was there are some areas that have one story principle structures with flatter roofs. Allowing a taller accessory building in these areas would look out of place. A solution was found to allow up to a 20 foot tall accessory structure but if the principle structure was less than 15 feet tall the maximum accessory structure height could be only 15 feet.
Although this took some time and effort to work through I believe we found a satisfactory solution to the needs of homeowners who wish to building an accessory structure that more closely meets their needs.
The first dealt with the code not having a definition for accessory structure height. There was a definition for building height but all references to accessory structure height did not deal with that definition. On the surface building height for accessory structures was held to 15 feet at the highest point of the structure. Another approach was needed.
Using the building height, as the standard, was considered but the definition was almost impossible to understand. After one Planning Commission member drew a picture of what it stated, the light bulb came on, but definitions shouldn’t be that complicated. A new definition was needed that was less complicated and a picture in the code would be helpful.
With current forms of building and larger accessory structures, steeper roofs for accessory structures were requested to match that the principle structure. The code didn’t provide for this so with a new definition some additional height could be accomplished. The definition basically used the average of the roof portion of the building to determine building height, rather than the peak. This still didn’t meet needs however.
The sticking point was there are some areas that have one story principle structures with flatter roofs. Allowing a taller accessory building in these areas would look out of place. A solution was found to allow up to a 20 foot tall accessory structure but if the principle structure was less than 15 feet tall the maximum accessory structure height could be only 15 feet.
Although this took some time and effort to work through I believe we found a satisfactory solution to the needs of homeowners who wish to building an accessory structure that more closely meets their needs.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
More on Homestead Market Value Exclusion
I had previously discussed the Homestead Credit Aid program being shifted to a Homestead Market Value Exclusion. In that blog I described the credit aid program and also the concept of the new Market Value Exclusion but some of the details were a bit unclear. There will continue to be uncertainty with the outcome until the final numbers are presented. I hope to clarify some of that overall picture.
As previously stated the new exclusion program deals with Homestead Properties (owner occupied) by reducing their (taxable) market value. The maximum exclusion is 40% for properties have an estimated market value of $76,000 or less. The exclusion then provides for a sliding scale with the percentage of reduction decreasing as the value of the home increases. The exclusion formula declines to $0 when the threshold of $413,778 in market value has been reached. In very general terms the formula can be looked at with the following chart:
Estimated Market Value / Taxable Market Value / % Decrease
76,000 / 45,600 / 40%
100,000 / 71,760 / 28%
150,000 / 126,260 / 16%
200,000 / 180,760 / 10%
250,000 / 235,260 / 6%
300,000 / 289,760 / 3%
350,000 / 344,260 / 2%
400,000 / 398,760 / 0%
(Percentages have been rounded.)
The obvious conclusion is there will be a reduction in taxable value for individual properties. The less obvious conclusion is there is less taxable value in a taxing jurisdiction as a whole. With the reduction in taxable values there will be an increase in the tax rate.
Added to this equation are other changes that affect overall taxable value. These include a reduction in the Estimated Market Value of properties in general. The number of Homestead properties (increases or decreases). The overall ratio of high to low valued Homestead properties and any changes to the jurisdiction such as detachment and new construction.
The county has estimated that the taxable market value of property in Breezy Point has decreased by about 14.2%. The tax rate is estimated to increase from 33.895% to 39.719% for 2012. Keep in mind this is only the city tax rate. The county and school district have a tax levy. Given the school referendum we’ll see increases there which are in addition to and outside of these issues. With the city rate being calculated it is still difficult to know or predict how individual properties will fare and a great deal depends on the “new” taxable value of a property. I anticipate that most properties will see an increase in property taxes even with the flat levy request being proposed by the city.
As previously stated the new exclusion program deals with Homestead Properties (owner occupied) by reducing their (taxable) market value. The maximum exclusion is 40% for properties have an estimated market value of $76,000 or less. The exclusion then provides for a sliding scale with the percentage of reduction decreasing as the value of the home increases. The exclusion formula declines to $0 when the threshold of $413,778 in market value has been reached. In very general terms the formula can be looked at with the following chart:
Estimated Market Value / Taxable Market Value / % Decrease
76,000 / 45,600 / 40%
100,000 / 71,760 / 28%
150,000 / 126,260 / 16%
200,000 / 180,760 / 10%
250,000 / 235,260 / 6%
300,000 / 289,760 / 3%
350,000 / 344,260 / 2%
400,000 / 398,760 / 0%
(Percentages have been rounded.)
The obvious conclusion is there will be a reduction in taxable value for individual properties. The less obvious conclusion is there is less taxable value in a taxing jurisdiction as a whole. With the reduction in taxable values there will be an increase in the tax rate.
Added to this equation are other changes that affect overall taxable value. These include a reduction in the Estimated Market Value of properties in general. The number of Homestead properties (increases or decreases). The overall ratio of high to low valued Homestead properties and any changes to the jurisdiction such as detachment and new construction.
The county has estimated that the taxable market value of property in Breezy Point has decreased by about 14.2%. The tax rate is estimated to increase from 33.895% to 39.719% for 2012. Keep in mind this is only the city tax rate. The county and school district have a tax levy. Given the school referendum we’ll see increases there which are in addition to and outside of these issues. With the city rate being calculated it is still difficult to know or predict how individual properties will fare and a great deal depends on the “new” taxable value of a property. I anticipate that most properties will see an increase in property taxes even with the flat levy request being proposed by the city.
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