The Truth and Taxation hearing was held prior to the Spring Valley City Council meeting on Monday, December 8.
The council reviewed their proposed property tax levy, which will be collectible in 2026. The general operating budget is at $790,672, parks at $191,387, Economic Development Authority (EDA) at $83,237, the library at $177,000. The total debt levies are $768,450 and after council approval, the total levy is $2,010,746.
The 2026 budget has the legislative budget up slightly to $38,795, the election budget at $5,400, the administration up to $171,213, the legal budget stayed the same at $50,000, as did city hall’s budget at $20,000. The police budget is up slightly to $409,605, fire is nearly the same at $118,913, the street budget is up to $483,257 and the library is up to $274,316. The ambulance budget stays steady at $610,250 and the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has a decrease to $752,690.
The pool is relatively steady at $59,890, as is summer rec at $22,301, the community center budget decreased slightly to $22,900 and parks will see an increase to $134,880 for a total parks department budget of $239,971.
On the revenue side, local government aid (LGA) is marginally higher at $1,027,560 and the general fund levy is up significantly to $790,672. The library fund is at $242,853, the parks fund total is $240,967, the ambulance is at $613,250 and the WWTP is at $690,750.
The resolution committing the capital project revenue sources was a approved. The city will commit $292,232 for fire equipment and the fire hall building, $124,191.99 for street equipment, $146,731.22 for building maintenance, $1,570,428.10 for general improvement projects, $8,381.49 for emergency management, $392,000 for ambulance replacement and $5,925 for Rolling Hills Transit.
Staff Reports
The Public Works Department has been busy with daily rounds, weekly and monthly testing at the WWTP.
According to Public Works Director Chad Hindt, the plant is now back to working properly after all the summer flooding.
The crew has been sweeping streets, getting snow equipment ready just in time to remove snow and sand roads. They have been servicing city-owned equipment, responding to a few sewer calls and repairing gravel alleys.
Councilor John Dols spoke on behalf of Parks and Rec Director John Fenske, saying the community center continues to be busy and the youth basketball just had a home tournament with a great turnout. The Parks and Rec Committee held their second meeting and are working on project ideas and fundraising opportunities. They recently received $768 from the Osterud-Winter Foundation and it will be used for some ideas for the pool.
EDA Director Chris Hahn noted the Frozen Feet 4K is December 13. The Kiwanis Red Kettle Bell Ringer sign up link is on the EDA website.
Ambulance Co-Director Sue Puffer shared there were 45 calls in November with the second truck running six times and two helicopter calls. The department continues to offer CPR training to groups in the area.
Fire Chief Dustin Johnson told the council there was a shed fire, a gas leak and two carbon monoxide (CO) calls in November. Johnson urged residents to make sure they have up-to-date CO alarms to make sure they are working correctly.
Mayor Justin Mlinar also asked residents to shovel around the hydrants in their neighborhoods, as it could save valuable time during a fire.
The fire department received training in fighting fires in basements and the unique challenges they bring.
Other Business
- The council approved a resolution adjusting the pay scale for a 3% increase for all city employees.
- A resolution designating the Spring Valley Community Center as the city’s polling place was approved.
- The Tracy Road Improvement Project pay application of $763,207.07 to Snow Contracting was approved.
- The council approved CEDA’s contract for $74,572 in 2026, which is a 2.75% increase from 2025.
- Smith Schafer’s audit fee of $27,750, an increase of $2,000 from 2025, was approved.
- The ambulance department maintenance contract with Stryker was approved for $26,638. This will enable the service to have all encompassing maintenance available 24/7, according to Puffer and Zimmer, including battery replacements for the Lucas Compression systems and Power-Load cots which can be very costly.
- Alex Slifka’s request to set up a heated igloo up in front of Stellar 181 during Christmas on Broadway was approved.
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