Spring Park keeps 2013 preliminary levy flat
At the Sept. 4 Spring Park City Council Meeting, the preliminary tax levy was elected to stay flat for the city in 2013.
Spring Park’s tax levy is set at $950,000, which it has been at for the third year in a row. This means Spring Park residents will likely see a flat tax rate from the city, because after a city submits a preliminary tax levy it can only be lowered.
The motion carried unanimously at the Tuesday meeting, which was rescheduled because of the Monday Labor Day holiday.
Spring Park Mayor Sarah Reinhardt said she was happy with the staff’s plan that will keep the levy flat.
“I really thank staff for being able to come up with a budget that is flat, yet again,” she said. “I think it’s pretty important and noble that we’ve been able to keep them flat or reduce them since 2009.”
The Spring Park City Administrator Dan Tolsma presented some of the numbers that define the levy.
In 2012, Spring Park had General Fund Expenditures of just over $1,044,882. About 50 percent of that consists of public safety costs, which includes their police services contract from the Orono Police Department and their fire contract from the Mound Fire Department. Public Works also takes up a large portion of the budget, over 25 percent.
Revenue comes primarily from property taxes, over 91 percent of Spring Park’s budget.
Residents in Spring Park can expect their preliminary tax statements in mid November, and the city will hold a truth in taxation meeting and adopt a final tax levy between Nov. 25 and Dec. 28.
