Special meeting of the City Council of the City of International Falls, Minnesota was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on the 27th day of September, 2021 at the hour of 5:06 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilors Buller, Ditsch, Holden, Krause, and Mayor Droba.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
| ADOPTED Resolution No. 65-2021 approving the 2022 Preliminary Budget and Levy | MOTION by Councilor Krause adopting Resolution No. 65-2021 approving the 2022 Preliminary Budget and Levy. Motion seconded by Councilor Ditsch.
Mayor Droba shared that it has been a difficult exercise working on the Budget and Levy. A preliminary 13.91 percent levy increase has been presented. Mayor Droba noted that at one point the projected levy increases were as high as 26 percent, but there were significant cuts made to the various departments. Mayor Droba noted that many departments were operating under very lean budgets already, leaving little to no room for cuts. City Administrator Bergstrom emphasized that the preliminary budget and levy can be reduced before final approval in December, but it cannot be increased once approved. The Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing and Input meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. on December 6, 2021, with the final budget scheduled to be approved at the regular City Council meeting on December 20, 2021 at 5:30 P.M. Mayor Droba stressed that the Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing and Input meeting is not intended for residents to dispute their property valuations, but rather to give input on the City’s upcoming 2022 budget and its budgeted expenses. Mayor Droba encouraged those disputing their property valuations to attend Koochiching County’s Open Book meeting held in the spring of each year for the following year’s property tax valuations. Motion carried unanimously. |
| ADJOURNMENT | Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 5:12 P.M. |
Harley M. Droba, Mayor
ATTEST:
Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator
