City levy may increase 5 percent

The tax levy in Luverne may increase by 5.13 percent, according to action at the Tuesday, Sept. 13, City Council meeting.
As required by law, the city of Luverne set its proposed 2016 tax levy (payable in 2017) at the meeting; the levy can be lowered at a later date but not increased.
The City Council reviewed the five-year capital improvement plan at the July 19 meeting and the proposed 2016 budget at the Aug. 16 meeting.
The levy has been set at $1,717,393.00, which includes the General Fund, debt service, and TIF fund deficit.
That levy is an increase of $83,770 over the current levy.
At the Sept. 13 meeting, the council noted it’s operating with a balanced budget and has a AA bond rating.
The City Council set the Truth in Taxation Hearing for Dec. 13.
 
In other business at the Sept. 13 meeting the council
•approved $56,649 for the city’s share of the pedestrian crossing lights at the school. The school will pay the other half, and the county will be responsible for maintenance. The school and city also split the $22,000 cost of cement work for the flashing light structures.
•set a hearing for Oct. 11 for unpaid utility and miscellaneous charges. There are nearly 30 delinquent accounts totaling roughly $11,000, but many of them will be paid once the delinquency notices are sent. The city bills out roughly $9 million in charges, so the council noted the delinquent accounts are a small percentage of the accounts.
•approved plans and specifications for a $180,000 road grader, budgeted for 2017. The city will advertise for bids, and bid letting will be Oct. 5.