An increase of 6.4% for the 2022 levy was approved by the council members. 22% of the levy goes for bond repayments and the balance for general expenses. The 2022 budget showed an increase of 3% in wages and 5% in health insurance costs for city employees. Part of the discussion of a smaller levy increase was the effect on the city police force. A reduction would have cut 240 man hours from the budget.
Other city departments reported on their budgets. The library will see a 15% decrease, offset by hiring part-time employees to replace a retiring librarian. The liquor store included a new air conditioner in their budget for $6,000 and that they planned to pay off the remodeling project funds from 12 years ago this year. The police chief would like a fourth officer added this year, but the council stated that they couldn’t find room in the budget for that. The big wild card in the 2022 budget will be the effects of inflation on the departments this year.
