HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL

BUDGET WORK SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Rasche.  Also in attendance was Council Member Kuhnau, Council Member Schumacher, Council Member Haberman, Council Member Bauman, Marlys Olson – Clerk, Paige DeWall – Deputy Clerk, Missy Raverty, and Bob Kruger.

 

 

Approval of Agenda

          Mayor Rasche approved agenda with the addition of discussion of the Truth in Taxation for residents in attendance.  Seconded by Council Member Kuhnau.  Vote on the motion:  Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Haberman, Baumann, aye:  no nays.  Motion carried.

 

 

TRUTH IN TAXATION

          Mayor Rasche explained to the residents in attendance about the levy and the proposed tax statement that was sent out.  Explaining that the percentage that we requested in September is just an estimate that we work with at the budget meeting that we are having tonight.  Mayor Rasche also went on to explain the meeting in the spring with the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization is where they can question the county on the raising of the house values.

 

 

GENERAL FUND BUDGET

          Reviewed proposed budget with many questions.  With the information supplied, went through the budget items, and developed a budget with a 0% increase in the levy for review at the Truth and Taxation meeting tomorrow night.

 

 

DISCUSSED WAGES

          The council discussed employee pay and reviewed department head suggestions.  Discussion resulted in the following recommendations for pay rate increases:  Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Public Works, Police Chief and Liquor Store Manager will be receiving a$1.50 per hour pay rate increase.  Liquor store bartenders will be receiving a $.50 per hour pay rate increase.  The seasonal lawn mower worker will be receiving a $.25 per hour rate increase.

 

 

2023 LEVY

          The council considered the amount of local government aid (LGA) certified for 2024 of $265,049.  The preliminary levy had been raised to 10% from 2023 for the amount of $293,040 this fall.  The council will be considering a 0% increase at the Truth in Taxation Hearing.

 

 

          The Truth in Taxation hearing will be held on December 6, 2023, at which time the proposed levy and budget will be discussed.  The public will be asked to comment, and the final budget will be adopted then or at the regular meeting following the hearing.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

          Council Member moved to adjourn the budget meeting.  Seconded by Council Member Kuhnau.  Vote on the motion:  Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Haberman, Baumann, aye:  no nays.  Motion carried.

                                               

 Submitted by:  ________________________________

 Clerk/Treasurer

 

Approved:  ____________________________

Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Haberman, Baumann