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The Wyoming City Council approach to balancing expenses and new property tax revenues appears to be keeping the tax capacity rate down, which council was glad to see in the 2022 audit presented by Bergen KDV.

The audit showed Wyoming revenues’ growth came mostly from the covid-19 aid and economic recovery funds of $145,000. In 2018 revenues were $4.1 million overall and for 2022 revenues were $4.2 million.

The chart shows how as property tax generating parcels came on board, the city collected more money but the rate declined.

The growth activity has leveled off, with the audit representing $45,000 fewer revenues from building activity from 2021 to 2022.

City staff were commended for keeping budgets under control by the mayor and council. The city was under-budget in expenses by $22,900.

In Wyoming the biggest chunk of expenses are in Public Safety, with Law Enforcement at 40 percent and Fire Dept. at 10 percent.

In another fiscal discussion, council decided to wait on proceeding with the public safety facility.  Supply chain issues, materials and labor have all impacted the price of the planned project to house police and fire in a new site.

City Administrator Robb Linwood cautioned council last week that on the highly unlikely chance the project lands some state aid through a bonding bill, the project would be under some stipulations that could cause a re-bidding situation.  Energy construction efficiencies mandated for state-funded projects and other design factors could boost the project cost by $2 million, council heard. There was no desire to move ahead and bid the potentially $13 million facility and have to bid a second time.

Council member Claire Luger remarked that having to wait was aggravating. “It’s not an issue of why,” she stated. “Our police work out of a pole building nowhere close to industry standards.”

Mayor Lisa Iverson added, “We are not saying no (to the project) just not now.”

The Wyoming Council voted unanimously to hold the bid process for now.

Internet needs on the east side close to Highway 8 could be addressed in partnership with Midco and use of a county-provided grant.

Council approved applying to Chisago County for $60,300 to help fund internet enhancements.

Linwood said having upgraded internet available in that general area will make it more attractive for development as it is currently an “underserved” area.

Chisago County set aside funds from the $13 million in ARPA aid,  to assist specifically with internet service needs.

And, a donation from Girl Scout Troop 55694 was gratefully acknowledged.  The city was given two trees valued at $326. 

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