Approve Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ramsey and Anoka County for Assessment of Property

The City of Ramsey contracts with Anoka County for property assessment.  It is once again time to renew the five-year contract, which will actually be almost five and one-half years (January 16, 2024 through May 15, 2029).  The May 15 term date will give Anoka County staff the time to answer property owner questions resulting from work they completed the year before.  It should be noted, that the fees listed under Section V of the JPA are actually lower than the rates that were in the prior JPA assessment agreement.  The reduced rates are those that have been billed in the most recent invoices from the County and have averaged approximately $126,000 in the past couple of years, whereas the contract amount used to be approximately $145,000.  The savings came from Anoka County investing in an updated software system.  There is one additional rate that has been added for Tax Exempt property.  This rate has been added due to an increase in public charity exemption applications and the subsequent expenses related to the tax court defense.  It is estimated to add approximately $2,500 to the City's invoice next year.   

Approve the Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for the January 16, 2024 through May 15, 2029 contract period.