8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria

952-443-2351

JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME

Waconia  952-442-2121

Leipold’s of Excelsior

Gifts.  Books.  Lamps.  952-474-5880

Metropolitan Ford

Jerry Chapman  952-943-9000

Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic.

Occupational Therapy.  Speech Therapy.

952-443-9888

Victoria’s Corner Bar.  Nightly Specials and Menus.  952-443-9944

Buying or Selling Victoria?

Call Nan Emmer.  612-702-2020

Specialized assisted living for those

with memory challenges. 

Victoria.  952-908-2215

Weinzierl

Jewelers

Waconia  952-442-2885
Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box:

Headlines

and bylines

Front Page

Feature Story

From the

Editor

Addie’s

Drawing

Letters

to the Editor

Victoria

Moments

Hook

Line & Sinker

Calendar

of Events

Click here to

Advertise

Email

the Gazette

Return to

Home Page

Order

paper Gazette

Notes and

Quotes

The Scoop

at City Hall

Home Page

The Victoria

GAZETTE

Regarding the impact that the proposed 2011 budget would have on a property owner, Jylan reported that if a property valuation would go down, the city portion of the property tax statement would go down.  If the valuation goes up, the tax goes up.  She pointed out that Victoria tax rate of 37.4% means a property owner pays $3.74 per $1,000 in property valuation.

         Administrator Uram stated, “There’s an opportunity to reduce the tax rate if the council chooses.”  He said it would affect the transfers.

         The finance director reported that 83.14% of Victoria’s general fund revenues are projected to come in 2011 from taxes.  This is down from 86% in 2010.  Other revenue sources include licenses and permits, inter-governmental revenue, charges for services, fines, and miscellaneous revenue.

Total revenues/expenditures projected for 2011:  $3,821,759.  This is a 4.2% decrease from 2010.

         She reported that Victoria’s biggest expenditure  ($1.43 million -- or 37.55% of the proposed expenditures) is for Personnel Services which includes a 1% increase in employee wages for 2011. 

         Contractual and Outside services are projected to cost the city nearly $1.1 million in 2011 -- or 27.4% of the proposed expenditures.  This includes legal, engineering, accounting, and auditing fees as well las utility services such as for heating and electrical.

         Supplies, Repairs, and Maintenance are projected at $440,973 -- or 11% of the proposed expenditures.

         Revenues and expenditures for the Victoria Recreation Center are projected to be just over $1 million in 2011, which is nearly a 20% increase over 2010.  Most of the revenue ($673,652 or 64.35%) is projected to come from the partnership with School District 112.  Most of the expenditures ($476,689 or 47%) are related to the debt. 

 

 

WORKING WITH THE WATERSHED

TO IMPROVE STIEGER LAKE IN VICTORIA

         Council voted unanimously on August 23rd to give general support for a project to reduce the phosphorus level in Stieger Lake and improve the related wetland area.  It is a project of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District that will cost the Watershed $175,000.

         City Engineer Cara Geheren reviewed with Victoria councilmembers that the MCWD had presented information to them at the July 26th council meeting, that this is a capital project for the Watershed’s 2012 budget, that they propose to remove 79 pounds of phosphorus.

         At that July 26th council meeting, there was discussion about priorities and spending money, instead, on improving the condition of Lake Wasserman in Victoria, an impaired lake, since Stieger Lake is not on the list of impaired lakes.

         “Stieger Lake is a valuable resource,” said Cara.   It is located in the core of the city adjacent to downtown Victoria.  Phosphorus reductions increase clarity and fishing environment.  Also, the project restores a large wetland in the core of the city.  Residents will also benefit by the improvement of a nearby city stormwater pond that has been placed on the city’s list of ponds to improve.

         Added Cara, “They do have significant funds earmarked for Wasserman, but that project will be harder to tackle than they had hoped.”

         Administrator Don Uram pointed out, “This really makes some improvement to the gateway to Victoria, and staff is supportive of the project.”

         Councilmember Jim Paulsen asked how this project fits into the city’s plans to take care of the big problems.  Repled Mayor Mary Thun, “They have allocated money to do this.  I think they have every intention of also working on Wasserman.  If we can get this project during 2012, that would help us, too.” 

         The year 2012 is when State Highway 5 through Victoria will be undergoing some major improvements.

         “Because of  this work, they’ll do the wetland,” said Councilmember Tom O’Connor.  “I’m inclined to support it.  It could also lead to a better relationship with the Watershed District.”

         “I’m inclined to support it because of the neighbor’s comments,” said Councilmember Kim Roden.  “Generally, if one resident shows up to support something, there are nine others that support it.”

         It was also pointed out that the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District did not need city approval or support to do the project, but that support is appreciated.  The mayor’s motion passed 5-0.

 

Click here for more City Scoop.

 

 

September 2010

Text Box:

City Scoop Continued