City budget hearing set for Nov. 8
A public hearing to review the proposed 2012 City of New London budget has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at City Hall. A City Council meeting will immediately follow the budget hearing.
This year's proposed levy is at $8.21, which is up 20 cents from last year's rate of $8.01.
"There is no increase in taxes this year, but the increase in the levy rate is due to a drop in equalized value," said Treasurer/Finance Director Judy Radtke.
The city has not revalued properties, and most property owners probably won't see much of a decrease in the assessed values of their properties. However, due to the drop in equalized values for the city as a whole, an increase to the levy was necessary to allow the city to collect the same amount in taxes as it did last year.
Citizens can voice their questions, comments or concerns at the public hearing.
Department news
The council met Tuesday, Oct. 11 to discuss happenings in various departments over the past month.
The Public Works Department recommended a 50/50 split for apron paving at the Mathewson property on Jeanne Street. This recommendation was approved by the council, with the city's portion of the project not to exceed $1,000.
The Public Works Department also reported that snow removal on downtown sidewalks will be done by city crews again this year, while a request for proposal will be sent out to various snow removal businesses to remove snow on foreclosed properties within the city.
Three ordinances to prohibit parking on Algoma Street, prohibit parking on areas of Evergreen Street, and limit areas of Evergreen Street to 2-hour parking were also approved.
The council went on to vote 9-1 in favor of waiving the rules and adopting and ordinance to prohibit carrying weapons and firearms in city buildings in one reading. Alderperson Tom O'Connell voted against the measure, saying that the state capitol has not yet voted on restrictions for their building and he is concerned with the City of New London getting ahead of the state.
A property donation from Kwik Trip pending receipt of an acceptable deed and the receipt of an "all clear" letter from the Department of Natural Resources was also approved unanimously. Council members also voted to authorize City Administrator Kent Hager to negotiate draft leases with the New London Area Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Baseball League for occupancy of the former Kwik Trip property on Shawano Street. The building will likely become the new home of the Chamber of Commerce, while part of is expected to be used as a concession area for the Youth Baseball League.
An ordinance to amend slow-no-wake regulations also passed its first reading. The amendment states that in controlled areas, boats must abide by slow-no-wake rules while buoys are in place and when the height of the river reaches seven feet or higher, according to the USGS benchmark station near the Pearl Street bridge.
The council also approved the appointments of Russ Gerhardt, Dewey Brown and Wally Schmidt to the Utility Commission.
This year's proposed levy is at $8.21, which is up 20 cents from last year's rate of $8.01.
"There is no increase in taxes this year, but the increase in the levy rate is due to a drop in equalized value," said Treasurer/Finance Director Judy Radtke.
The city has not revalued properties, and most property owners probably won't see much of a decrease in the assessed values of their properties. However, due to the drop in equalized values for the city as a whole, an increase to the levy was necessary to allow the city to collect the same amount in taxes as it did last year.
Citizens can voice their questions, comments or concerns at the public hearing.
Department news
The council met Tuesday, Oct. 11 to discuss happenings in various departments over the past month.
The Public Works Department recommended a 50/50 split for apron paving at the Mathewson property on Jeanne Street. This recommendation was approved by the council, with the city's portion of the project not to exceed $1,000.
The Public Works Department also reported that snow removal on downtown sidewalks will be done by city crews again this year, while a request for proposal will be sent out to various snow removal businesses to remove snow on foreclosed properties within the city.
Three ordinances to prohibit parking on Algoma Street, prohibit parking on areas of Evergreen Street, and limit areas of Evergreen Street to 2-hour parking were also approved.
The council went on to vote 9-1 in favor of waiving the rules and adopting and ordinance to prohibit carrying weapons and firearms in city buildings in one reading. Alderperson Tom O'Connell voted against the measure, saying that the state capitol has not yet voted on restrictions for their building and he is concerned with the City of New London getting ahead of the state.
A property donation from Kwik Trip pending receipt of an acceptable deed and the receipt of an "all clear" letter from the Department of Natural Resources was also approved unanimously. Council members also voted to authorize City Administrator Kent Hager to negotiate draft leases with the New London Area Chamber of Commerce and the Youth Baseball League for occupancy of the former Kwik Trip property on Shawano Street. The building will likely become the new home of the Chamber of Commerce, while part of is expected to be used as a concession area for the Youth Baseball League.
An ordinance to amend slow-no-wake regulations also passed its first reading. The amendment states that in controlled areas, boats must abide by slow-no-wake rules while buoys are in place and when the height of the river reaches seven feet or higher, according to the USGS benchmark station near the Pearl Street bridge.
The council also approved the appointments of Russ Gerhardt, Dewey Brown and Wally Schmidt to the Utility Commission.
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