By Mari Radtke
The Sutherland City Council held a required public hearing explaining to tax payers what the maximum base property tax could be. Should the final budget require less than proposed on Monday February 7 the supporting levy will also be less. The “max tax” public hearing is considered a misnomer. Special levies are not addressed in this part of the budget. There were no public comments offered.
Sutherland property values rose by approximately 13% for this budget year. The increase in values will cause an increase in the overall tax bill even at the same levy rate. The city proposes to raise $150,644 for the 2022-23 fiscal year for regular general spending, various insurance expenses, emergency, employee FICA & IPERS and other employee benefits. According to City Clerk Amanda Vander Hoff, the employee benefit fund balance had been used and it was time to raise funds for the expense again.
Council approved this proposed budget. A public hearing for the full, proposed Sutherland City budget was set for Monday March 7, 2022 at 7:00pm at Sutherland City Hall.
During consideration of a resolution to sell city property to Doug Sweeney council decided to include a requirement that Sweeney complete the construction of the house within 24 months of possession or forfeit the ground. The resolution passed.
A resolution to enter into a 28E with the City of Paullina for shared police coverage was tabled. An attorney opinion is underway before either city will pass the agreement.