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WILLMAR — The Willmar City Council on Monday, Dec. 5 held its Truth in Taxation hearing before approving the final 2023 property tax levy of $9,188,990 and the final city budget of $55,694,526.
The final approved levy is an increase of $1,875,318, or 25.6%, over the final approved 2022 levy of $7,313,672. The final approved budget is an increase of $6,712,899, or 13.7%, over the final approved 2022 budget of $48,981,627.
The levy will generate approximately $6 million for the city’s general operating fund, $699,674 for the street improvement fund, and $524,755 for future city hall debt, according to Finance Director Steve Okins.
The budget includes approximately $21 million for the general operating fund, $17.5 million for the capital improvement fund, $4 million for the special revenue/internal fund, $4.3 million for debt service, and $8.5 million for the city’s enterprise (wastewater) fund, according to Okins.
Some of the capital improvements the city plans for 2023 include repairs to the Willmar Auditorium, lights at Swansson Field, and equipment and vehicle upgrades for public works and the police department, Okins noted.
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Special revenue funds are funds that the city is required to designate due to statute, federal grants, or past action by council, such as the lodging tax, local option sales tax, debt retirement and the 10-year street program.
Debt service includes the local option sales tax projects, the street improvement program and tax increment districts.
The enterprise fund is for the wastewater treatment plant, according to Okins.
