Common Council approves 2021 budget and sets tax levy

Subhead

The Wautoma Common Council held a 2021 budget public hearing on Nov. 9, followed by the regular council meeting, with no one from the public in attendance.  The council approved the 2021 budget and set the 2020 property tax levy at $880,000, which is no increase from last year.  City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Tommy Bohler reviewed various aspects of the budget with the council, summarizing by stating “our budget is balanced.”

In a letter Bohler wrote and read to the council, he stated that “a pandemic, economic crisis, and nationwide political turmoil has forever shaped the way the country and world will operate and that 2020 has tested our perseverance unlike any other, but it has also once again proven how tough this area can be when faced with a paramount challenge.”   He also stated “In times like these, all eyes turn to elected leaders for help and the City of Wautoma has continued to deliver the promises of safety and services that this community needs to survive.  The composure of our local elected leaders has helped us navigate through the most difficult decisions and our exceptional staff members have worked tirelessly to ensure that these decisions are carried out in the most optimal way, even facing a challenging environment.”

Bohler added “Over the course of this year and recent years, the city has strived to maintain a steady tax rate and keep utilities increases to a minimum.  With this, there has been progress towards updating a severely outdated fleet, enhancing the area’s premier park, Bird Creek, and maximizing tax increment value and grants to upgrade streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure to levels that would rival nearly any place in Wisconsin.  Our proactive approach has put us in a firm position to maintain exceptional services while cutting back on significant projects like this is 2021.”

In addition, Bohler said “Through research, benchmarking and analysis, we strive to put the best policy forward, including those proposed in this 2021 budget.  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 each and every day and this council that has stuck together with me over the last six years.”

 

The next Common Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at city hall.

 

 

Image