In-Person Meetings

Morrison County Meeting Notes

• Notes from Meeting #1 (PDF)
  When asked to describe property taxes, the top three responses from group participants were "schools," "accountable," and "wasteful." (75% of those who chose "acccuntable" chose it because they felt the system needed to be more accountable.) Citizens indicated that the amount of time it takes to dig in and understand property taxes is unreasonable. They want to know why their taxes are going up or down and what services they fund through property taxes.
• Notes from Meeting #2 (PDF)
  School demographic and testing data generated the most discussion. Participants felt it was important to consider these variables when looking at property taxes and school district spending. Basic pie charts showing the percentages spent by department and revenue by source were also well-received, as was the where taxes paid were shown in total—for all taxing jurisdictions combined. It allowed them to see how much they are paying in property taxes—across the board—for major services.
• PowerPoint Presentation from Meeting #2 (PDF, about 1mb)
  School demographic and testing data generated a lot of discussion. The group found information on % special education, % LEP, % free/reduced lunch and graduation rate informative. The pie charts showing expense by department and revenue by source and the bar graph that showed how much an average taxpayer was paying for major services for schools, county and municipal combined ( i.e., county criminal justice/city police, county parks/city parks, streets/public works, etc.) were both well-received.
• Notes from Meeting #3 (PDF)
  Participants felt that financial information needs to be made available in multiple ways -- local newspapers, websites, etc. The most important pieces of information are: (1) the % increase or decrease in the property tax levy, by taxing jurisdiction, (2) a brief explanation of substantial (top 3-5) changes since the prior budget, (3) bar charts showing where your property tax dollars go; ideally the information should be for city, county and school district combined and (4) pie charts showing the break down of major spending areas and revenue sources.

Ramsey County Meeting Notes

• Notes from Meetings #1 (PDF)
  Participants voiced their frustration with the complexity of the system -- the various players and lack of transparency makes it hard to figure out who is responsible for what. Participants were also frustrated with the lack of basic, non-partisan, understandable information.
• Notes from Meetings #2 (PDF)
  Participants found historical trends and pie charts showing how spending and revenue sources informative. Dicussion of the PowerPoint was that numbers aren't enough; narrative is needed to tell the whole "story."
• PowerPoint Presentation from Meeting #2 (PDF, 1mb)
  Citizens want information on the amount of property tax they will have to pay each year, but also information on the expenses and revenues of their respective taxing jurisdictions. They have said that simply telling them what their taxes pay for is only part of the picture; they need to know more about the spending and revenue picture of the applicable taxing jurisdictions.
• Notes from Meeting #3 (PDF)
  Participants felt that information that allowed them to compare themselves to others in similarly priced homes, in other areas, was important. Most indicated they'd like to know why taxes are changing and where their tax dollars go.
• PowerPoint Presentation from Meeting #3 (PPT, 2.5mb)
  The PowerPoint was put together to address some of the follow-up questions asked by participants. While the slides on how tax rates are calculated generated a lot of discussion, most of it was understandably confusing. The complexity of the system was apparent. The St. Paul website was briefly toured and participants found it helpful and a great source of information.

Washington County Meeting Notes

• Notes from Meeting #1 (PDF)
  When asked to describe property taxes, the top three responses from group participants were "confusing," "bureaucratic," and "hidden." Citizens want to know why their taxes are going up or down, what services they fund through property taxes and why taxes are the source of funding for those services. Something along the lines of a "sticker price" was suggested—let citizens know what they are getting for their money.
• PowerPoint Presentation from Meeting #2 (PDF, 1mb)
  The slide that generated the most positive feedback was a slide that shows how much the average taxpayer in a city pays for service in six key areas
• Notes from Meeting #2 (PDF)
  The group indicated the best slides were the ones where taxes paid were shown in total—for all taxing jurisdictions combined. It allowed them to see how much they are paying in property taxes—across the board—for major services. The idea of a "5-Year Business Plan" for government was suggested. The plan would consist of rules, which are in place for five years, and can’t be modified. This would include rules affecting property taxes (class rates, aid amounts, etc.), along with rules to guide funding for mandates.
• Notes from Meeting #3 (PDF)
  Participants felt the goal should be to provide the most transparent information possible, in the most cost-efficient way. The best option for communicating information is through a web site, hosted by an independent source. In addition, city, county and school districts should go to their taxpayers. For example, if the county webpage that gets the most hits is the library pages, include a pop-up that says, "In 2007, the average taxpayer pays $X for the County library system."