Finance Articles
Shorewood 2024 Tax and Rate Increases
At the Dec. 11, 2023 City Council meeting a number of presentations focused on tax and rate increases going into effect for 2024. It’s important to note all rate increases and budgets passed unanimously with little discussion or question from council members. Read previous SCA budget article here for more background. Property Tax Before we can begin to understand the complexities of our property tax bills, it’s important to note that in 2022, the inflation rate was 8.3%. In 2023 the inflation rate is 3.1%. Costs have risen and we may be paying now for the low inflation rates from 2010–2020. To simplify, the largest components
What to Know About the 9.6% 2024 Tax Levy Increase
Public comment was taken at the December 11 Truth in Taxation Hearing at City Hall. (See the Finance Director’s report here, starting at page 80) See the approved budget and related information here). The 2024 increase for the city share of your taxes is 9.6%. Through a series of work sessions on August 14, September 11 and 25, the Council reviewed revenue and expenditures forecasted for the coming fiscal year. The increase was certified to Hennepin County on September 30. The City had until December 28 to gather public input and reduce the levy. The final budget was certified to Hennepin County on December 28.
Shorewood Violated Its Own Ordinance on City Water
At the regular City Council meeting on Sept. 26, 2022, the City Council voted 4-1 to approve the plans for reconstruction of Birch Bluff Road. Labadie, Siakel, Johnson and Callies voted yes. Gorham voted no.[1] [2] Included in those plans and specifications, were plans for a water improvement project at a cost projection of $913,000.00. (Related article on the Water Fund here) The process authorizing the initiation of water improvements, including those by the City Council, is detailed and governed by city code 903.18. That section of the city code provides a clear and thorough recipe for how a water improvement process can be initiated
Get Smarter: Shorewood Enterprise Funds Analysis
Every 3 months, property owners in Shorewood receive a bill from the city for utilities and services. Those utilities and services are: Recycling, Storm Water, Sewer and Water (if connected to city water) The money from each of those line items are distributed to separate accounts called enterprise funds. Municipal enterprise funds allow a city to generate revenue through user fees to cover the costs of providing a service to the public and allow those who use the service to pay for it directly. This means that those functions operate as businesses and the rates that each of the funds’ charges are expected to cover
Strawberry Lane Speed Study Completed
Strawberry Lane construction is complete and speed concerns have been reported. Below is an excerpt from SeeClickFix.com regarding the results of a speed study done by the City.
The Cost of Reclaiming City-Owned Right-of-Way
Above: A trail crossing sign covered by ROW overgrowth, first reported to ClickFix in 2021, remains overgrown in 2023.) The city has right-of-way (ROW) along almost every public street within its boundaries. City Ordinance 901.01 requires the ROW to be clear of structures, boulders, fences and trees that obstruct the view for safe passage on the roadways. This criteria is clearly set out for the health, safety and welfare of anyone using the roadways. July 2023 Shore Report article on right of ways falls short in laying out the facts. How is it working? The city has not followed, nor enforced its rules for decades.
