City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton gave a presentation on the budget and levy during the Truth in Taxation portion of the city council’s December 5 meeting. This is to give the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed final levy. Councilman Dean Aug was absent.
Throckmorton noted that the preliminary levy certified in September showed a 5.14% increase over the 2022 levy. Changes since then included lower healthcare insurance costs than estimated, but higher costs than estimated in other insurances like property/liability and workman’s compensation. The final levy for 2023 is slightly lower than the preliminary levy at $1,135,404 or a 5.06% ($54,708) increase over 2022.
Another source of revenue for the city is Local Government Aid from the state. It was noted that in 2004 this state aid was 42% of incoming revenue for the city; in 2023 it will provide 23% of the incoming revenue for the city.
Throckmorton explained there has been a big shift in the property tax rate. Residential property values have gone up significantly. In 2022 the property tax revenue shifted from 47% residential to 55% residential and from 40% commercial to 34% commercial.
There was no comment from the public on the budget or levy presentation. Throckmorton complimented Sheila Marzolf on her efforts in putting the budget together.
A motion was approved to accept the 2023 budget. A resolution was adopted approving the 2022 tax levy, collectable in 2023 and the adoption of the final tax levy as presented.
Diede conditional use permit
Planning and Zoning held a public hearing prior to the city council meeting on an application for a ground mounted solar array larger than 5kw (40kw). The solar array is to be located at Blossom Hill Orchard & Farm (645 Highway 16 and 52 E) owned by Dane and Hillary Diede. The array will be constructed and maintained by Viking Electric. It will consist of two structures 12 feet by 86 feet running parallel to each other.
Preston’s city code allows for ground mounted solar systems greater than 5kw as a conditional use in the R-1 (agricultural/residential) District.
There was no public comment at the Planning and Zoning meeting. The city council approved the CUP as recommended by Planning and Zoning with ten conditions.
Other business in brief
• A casual EMT position was created in 2020 to help fill weekend shifts with the pay set at $15 per hour. Staff has recommended the position be put on the pay scale at grade 2 step 2 with an annual cost of living increase. The change was approved as recommended.
• A sickle mower which attaches to a 3-point hitch failed last summer. Staff recommends replacing it with a 3-point hitch disc mower to be purchased from Marzolf Implement at a cost of $6,750. The purchase was approved as recommended.
The John Deere park mower is scheduled to be replaced in 2023. The cost of its replacement will be shared by the city, utility, and the park board. The city’s share after trade-in for a new John Deere front mower (less mower deck) and a 72-inch rear discharge deck will be $6,333. The purchase was approved contingent on approval of the utility and park board.
• The city received one proposal for city auditor from Smith Schafer and Associates Ltd. The fees for the two-year proposal are $19,250 for the 2022 audit and $20,000 for the 2023 audit. The fee proposal reflects a 3.9% increase over 2021. The audit proposal was approved.
• The city council will meet next on December 19.
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