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Wyoming City leaders had proposed a 2023 levy that was up by some 9 percent in setting preliminary numbers last fall;  but over the last few months the final levy hike ended up at about 7 percent.  This levy of $5,133,772 was adopted by the council 4-1 at last week’s regular meeting.  Councilmember Linda Nanko Yeager cast, what has become over the years,  a predictable no vote.
Elected officials commended city fiscal consulting staff for chipping the potentially $466,000 hike considered last fall,  down to an increase of $333,000.

Wyoming continues to see tax RATE go down too, with growth and property valuations helping to boost revenues and keep up with budget necessities.  Fuel is expected to still be expensive next year and street replacement funding is getting a funding boost.  Council members in comments at last week’s levy hearing—were perplexed by the loss of a state appropriation called Local Government Aid or LGA of $47,000 next year, at the same time Minnesota announces a projected “surplus.”  The 2023 LGA cut equates to one whole percent of Wyoming’s levy.

There was one citizen at last week’s levy hearing who questioned the valuations rising by some 21 to 22 percent and wondered if this number is reliable in today’s market conditions.  It was explained that yes, there is a delay in the lengthy process of compiling actual sales, doing data comparisons, gathering property information in the field and calculating valuations. The state has standards for the assessor valuation efforts and Chisago County is rated highly for its timely assessing and estimations.

In other matters, council accepted a police officer resignation. The job is posted.

The public safety building project is at the stage where interior design and decor elements need to be decided. Council set a work session for December 13 to go over finishes and styles/colors.
City Engineer Mark Erichson got approval to make offers to four property owners for “land rights” needed to do the East Viking Boulevard reconstruction project.  Compensation comes to $15,725.  
Erichson assured council there’s no plan to move forward on condemnation to accomplish this project should the offers be rejected.  The project will be revised if some portions of parcels can not be included.

And, Rosenbauer got approvals on a site plan, using non-conforming architectural amenities for a temporary storage structure at its 5201 260th Street. A variance for impervious surface on the lot is also part of the approval.

Fred Weck, city building official, explained the fabric structure is temporary (must be gone by June) and is only to protect materials through winter.  The fire equipment manufacturer had erected a frame and the city issued a stop work order, which required this review of their plans and gave the city opportunity to place conditions.

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