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City Council <br />Meeting Minutes <br />July 19, 2022 <br />Page 8of9 <br />Rebecca Wheland, Louisville, stated she prefers resources and time rather than an <br />expensive anniversary commemoration. She stated that means testing to receive <br />benefits is incredibly challenging and some residents don't qualify so they have to do <br />other things like stop saving for their children's college education. <br />Trevor Ackerman, Louisville, asked for Council to waive the use tax; no strings <br />attached. <br />Mayor Stolzmann noted the Council also received a number of emails on this topic. Not <br />every email received a response, but they were all read. She also stated that no <br />decision will be made this evening. <br />Councilmember Brown stated the goal is getting everyone that wants to rebuild back <br />into their homes. Underinsurance and the use tax are two of road blocks. He supports a <br />program to rebate the use tax. This will require an understanding of the impact on the <br />City's reserves. <br />Mayor Pro Tern Maloney stated there are some challenges, but fees are something that <br />can be addressed in the overall budget. He added that the City needs to do a better job <br />of explaining funding and how those funds are encumbered. Council needs to go <br />through the budget cycle and see what resources are available. He would like to hear <br />more from residents regarding the commemoration plans. <br />Councilmember Dickinson said he understands how the use taxes are impacting <br />residents. He apologized for it taking so long. He noted repealing or rebating the use tax <br />is complicated. <br />Councilmember Leh noted Council has a lot of choices to make and everyone needs <br />clarity on how things impact the budget. He also stated he doesn't want to spend a lot of <br />time and money on a commemoration if residents perceive it as disrespectful. <br />Mayor Stolzmann stated a grant program with a rebate would avoid legal issues. <br />Councilmember Brown stated he would like a rebate program that is simple, like <br />checking a box saying the applicant is underinsured. <br />Councilmember Dickinson agreed simplicity is best. He wants something equitable, but <br />doesn't feel the funds should come from the General Fund, it should come from income <br />received by the city. <br />Mayor Stolzmann noted a rebate program will be a tremendous amount of work for staff <br />even if it is an easy process for residents. <br />Councilmember Most would like to see residents pay use tax on any additional square <br />footage but be able to get an exemption or rebate for the original home size. <br />