Work SessionItem 1Outcome pending
Preview and Discussion of Preliminary 2024 Budget, Tax Levy, Utility Rates, Fees, and Capital Improvement Plan
The City Council work session was scheduled to include a high-level preview of the preliminary 2024 budget, with a proposed property tax levy increase of approximately 5.89% and a 39% increase in the rolling stock, equipment, and technology levy. Proposed utility rates, city fees, and the 2024 Capital Improvement Budget alongside the 2025–2028 Capital Improvement Plan were also on the agenda for council feedback. Staff was expected to use this session to gather input before presenting a more detailed budget on August 29, 2023, ahead of the required September 30 deadline to certify the preliminary levy with the County.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Part of an ongoing matter · 4 related discussions
Key figure: 5.89% — Proposed increase to the 2024 preliminary property tax levy
Potential benefit
If the proposed budget is adopted as previewed, a $1.35 million increase in Local Government Aid (LGA) could reduce how much of the city's operating costs must be borne by local property taxpayers. No new debt was planned for 2024, which would help limit long-term financial obligations for residents.
Concern to consider
A proposed 5.89% levy increase would raise property tax bills for homeowners and landlords. The rolling stock and technology levy alone was proposed at $1,208,000—up 39%—and slowing permit revenue (~$175K decline) could create pressure to rely more heavily on taxes in future years. Once the preliminary levy is set in September, it legally cannot be increased, but also cannot easily be pulled back without political will.
What happens next: A more detailed budget presentation with department directors was scheduled for August 29, 2023. The 2024 CIB and 2025–2028 CIP were slated for Planning Commission review on August 28, 2023. The City Council was scheduled to adopt the preliminary tax levy on September 12, 2023, with the levy required to be certified to the County by September 30, 2023. A Truth in Taxation public hearing and final budget adoption were scheduled for November 28, 2023.
Sources: Work Session agenda (city portal) ↗