$51,247 hike is 3.12% increase
SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved setting the 2024 preliminary tax levy at $1,694,257 Tuesday.
Approval of raising the levy 3.12% ($51,247) over the 2023 final levy came on a motion by councilor Scott Krzmarzick, seconded by Nate Stevermer.
The increase compares to a 3.96% hike for the 2023 budget.
City Manager Bob Elston said the final levy set in December can’t be set any higher than the preliminary levy.
“We all worked hard on the budget. Bob does a fantastic job with the budget,” said councilor Doug Pelzel.
“Considering rising inflation, this looks pretty good,” said Mayor Wayne Pelzel.
The 2024 budget includes a $68,100 police department hike, a $60,800 fire department increase, a $51,800 boost for the Sleepy Eye Event Center and a $19,400 hike for recreation and parks.
The city council unanimously approved:
• An on-sale liquor license and Sleepy Eye Arena Association premises gambling permit for the Dawg Haus Bar & Grill, 300 First Avenue North, pending proper paperwork is completed.
• New fire department members Alicia Zuhlsdorf and Drew Reinarts.
• Donations of $1,000 from Duncan McGreggor and $200 from Floyd and Doris Bottom and Debra Grimmius for the Dyckman Free Library and $10 from Ron and Jane Fischer for the Sleepy Eye Fire Department in memory of Paul Volker.
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