The Sutherland Council on February 6 approved selling property in its business park to JTV Manufacturing. Council also approved execution of the contract for the sale of property and approved the Special Warranty Deed.
The Proposed Property Tax Levy public hearing was opened for public comment and questions. No member of the public presented questions or comments. The proposed levy announces to the public what it expects to levy for certain basic functions in the coming year. Although this is referred to as a “Max Tax” levy it is not all that a taxing body can tax. The proposed property tax levy includes only certain levies. Some entities have additional levies not included in this proposed budget.
Sutherland proposed to levy for regular general fund (no more than $100,301), Liability, Property & Self-Insurance Costs (the levy cannot exceed collections of $27,000), the emergency levy up to $3,343, FICA & IPERS ($6,000) and other employee benefits ($14,000). The reserve funds of employee benefits is nearly depleted. Other insurance costs have also been increased significantly. The proposed maximum tax rate for these limited levies is $13.39740, an increase of 6.14%, less than $1.00 per $1000 of assessed value.
While budgets are being calculated, the state announced and finally adopted, a law that holds the taxable value of property throughout Iowa to 2022 levels. With lower valuations, revenues to taxing bodies will be lower. A public hearing for the city’s complete budget will be set a later date. It must be held no later than April 30, 2023.
Some damage to the foundation of General N. B. Baker Library was found during updates. Thrasher Foundation Repair submitted 2 bids, $45,006.05 and $58,664.57. Council, with Library Trustees discussed the matter and the options. It was decided to solicit other bids from a range of contractors.