Washington sets maximum tax levy

WASHINGTON — The Washington City Council formally set its maximum tax levy for the next fiscal year’s budget at a meeting Tuesday night.

City Financial Director Kelsey Brown said the resolution did not set the levy itself, but established a number the city couldn’t exceed.

“They have not yet approved this tax rate, but this is the tax rate that is going into all the budget papers for them to approve March 15,” she said.

That rate would represent an increase of $20 per $100,000 of property value on annual property taxes.

While the city is not officially committed to any particular uses of that revenue boost, council members discussed options during a work session later in the meeting.

“I would recommend that council consider 5% wage increases,” Brown said. “That still gives us $65,000 left in the general fund that we can use toward paying off the project and toward capital equipment.”

Mayor Jaron Rosien said he agreed with that plan.

“I think it’s a great recommendation because it accomplishes all of the things we’ve been asking for,” he said. “I figured if we directed staff to give us a recommendation and sort through the numbers, we trust their judgment and know that we have quality people that know what they’re doing.”

While council members had no objections to the suggestion, it is complicated by union negotiations, which are scheduled for the unusually late date of March 9, days before the March 15 final budget hearing.

“We’ll know more from budget negotiations after March 9,” Rosien said. “In the past we’ve treated all departments equally, and not varied between groups. We’ve traded union and non-union members all equally and have not rewarded or penalized in any category. I anticipate that precedent to continue.”

The city also heard funding requests from outside entities during the budget workshop, including the Chamber of Commerce, Washington Economic Development Group and Main Street Washington. All groups agreed not to raise their contribution asks this year, at the city’s request.

“There were requests for increase, but then we requested that outside entities remain flat,” Rosien said. “We appreciate your willingness to work with us this year and delay any funding increases, it’s a difficult position.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com