Northfield Still Considering 3 Percent Levy Increase

It looks as though a 3 percent levy increase is still on the table after the Northfield City Council met on Tuesday night.

According to the Northfield News, Finance Director Melanie Lammers and Administrator Ben Martig, along with other city staff, suggested the increase because of increased infrastructure and equipment costs.

The 3 percent reflects a change from the $8.10 million levy for 2016 to the proposed $8.34 million proposed levy for 2017. Lammers indicated that market conditions are looking positive, and property value in the area could be on the rise.

The majority of the increased levy money would go toward the general fund, for staffing and services costs. The park fund is supposed to get a $30,000 increase, and the city facilities fund a $20,000 increase. Money will also be set aside for a five-year streets fund.

Other options were presented, but those would result in cuts in budgets and staff. Information on market values are not in yet from Rice County due to new reporting requirements from the state. Other councilors appeared to be in favor of a lower levy.