At the Nov. 14 Common Council meeting, the council unanimously approved a 2023 operating budget and set the tax levy at $925,000, with no tax increase and no utility increase for Wautoma property-owners.
After reviewing the budget proposal with council members, City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Tommy Bohler told the council that they could change the $945,000 general tax levy being proposed, which would have a 3.85% levy increase; he said that the city is doing very well, with “a strong financial and structural position” (a 98% fund balance) and by lowering the levy, property-owners would not have a tax or utility increase from the city.
Council member Patrick King said that many people are dealing with high costs/inflation and currently live “paycheck to paycheck,” proposing that the council lower the tax levy to $925,000 so they do not have an increase in taxes or utilities. After a short discussion, a roll call vote was taken, with unanimous approval.
In his management letter to the council, Bohler wrote “As always YOU control these decisions and can steer this city in any direction you see fit. Administration and staff are here to make your decisions more vetted and informed with any pressing issue you, or a resident, may have.” He added “We hope to have another tremendous year in the City of Wautoma, and I am as proud as ever of the community I get to serve and a council that has stuck together with me over the last eight years.”
In other business, the council approved Resolution #2022-09, officially executing a 30-year solar lease with Alliant Energy in preparation for development. Bohler told the council that there is a 3% escalator every year.
The council also approved an Operator’s License for Rebeckah Rayne Modrow (Dollar General).
The next regular Common Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
