Why does the Truth in Taxation hearing occur so late in the budget process?

All Minnesota Cities must follow the Truth in Taxation process laid out by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The hearing is required to be held after truth in taxation statements are received by each tax payer.  The City recognizes that holding the hearing in late November or early December is not enough time to change the budget and will be holding its own public engagement sessions on May 19 and August 18.  We believe this early engagement will offer greater flexibility and opportunities for impact versus the final months.

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1. How many departments prepare a budget?
2. Where do multi-use paths fall within the budget and can that be shown as its own line item?
3. What opportunities will there be to comment on the preliminary budget after it is approved in September?
4. Why does the Truth in Taxation hearing occur so late in the budget process?
5. Does the city use a top-down or bottom-up budget process?
6. Do departments receive any instructions on how to prepare budgets? Who set the instructions?
7. Did or could you consider a Fiscal Advisory Committee made up of residents?
8. When will the 2020 Budget document be posted online?
9. When do you plan to update the Financial Management plan for the next five years?
10. Does the Hopkins compare itself with other Cities?
11. Why does the City issue debt?
12. Will revenue considerations that affect decisions on the upcoming zoning changes be made?
13. Commercial property bring in more revenue, is the city focusing on them over residential apartment buildings?
14. What is the outcome of the Moline parking ramp settlement? How does it affect the budget? What documents are available online?