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Wyoming city council members voted 3-1 with member Ohnstad absent, September 5  to adopt a maximum preliminary levy for next year projected to reflect a little over a nine percent hike compared to what’s being collected this year.

This council vote sets the maximum levy and is the basis to calculate preliminary property tax statements sent in the mail this autumn.  

The final levy is set in December after the public hearing Dec 5 and the number can not go up from this September figure— but it may decrease.

Wyoming next year needs $4.1 million compared to $3.6 million that the city projected as its general fund levy this year.

Even with this increase, the tax rate for Wyoming is estimated to dip to 38.9 percent from the current 39.8 percent, thanks to growth in tax capacity or how much properties can generate based on a formula that includes valaution.  County assessors have calculated the valuation of Chisago County residential parcels to be increase of eight percent over last year, according to information  shared in last week’s city council meeting.

The no vote came from Linda Nanko Yeager who stated the increase is “too high.”

A home site with valuation of $200,000 (including the estimated eight percent growth in valuation) will see an increase of $48 and a $300,000 home will pay $77 more annually if this budget is finalized.

Some highlights for the desired $469,000 increase include: estimated 10 percent health insurance prelium hike (50-50 between employees and city), city liability insurance will increase, public safety added a Community Service Officer;  also the street fund is boosted by $100,000, the city has to cover costs for elections in 2024, and fire department equipment replacements are budgeted.

In other matters:  the new assistant administrator Grant McFarland attended his first council session.  He fills the open slot from Alex Saxe leaving for a different post.

The bid for the Fallbrook and 264th improvements was awarded to Forest Lake Contracting. Low bid was $853, 256 including the alternates of a crosswalk install connecting Rosenbauer’s two buildings (the company is reimbursing city) and fixing sanitary sewer “sags.”

Council member Linda Nanko Yeager asked who maintains the flashers at crosswalks and was advised the public (city) does.  The non-functioning crosswalk on Goodview is slated for repair as soon as parts arrive.

A resident at the dead end of Fenwick  near #61 spoke in open microphone comment— that he is willing to do earthwork and flatten a hammerhead turn so trucks can make deliveries and pickup garbage, etc.  He wants the city to provide gravel and have a pavement company finish it off. He stated various companies don’t want to back all the way down and so he is denied some services.

Engineer Mark Erichson said he is looking into having the Fallbrook project contractor pave this individual spot,  but staff is still looking into easement details and costs.

Editor’s Note: The print version of the Press mistakenly reports the levy vote at 4-1. Council member Ohnstad was missing,  This on-line story has been corrected.

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