PAYNESVILLE -- The Paynesville City Council set the 2007 city budget and property tax levy at the regular meeting Wednesday.
The levy is $506,060, a 4.5 percent increase over 2006. The budget for 2007 is $1,718,506, a 10.5 percent increase, according to Renee Eckerly, Paynesville city administrator. The budget increase will be offset by additional revenue in the form of local government aid.
The council also approved increases in the city's water and sewer rates. The residential flat rate for water service will increase from $13.63 to $14.50 per month. Commercial rates will increase 10 cents per 1,000 gallons. Sewer service increased from $15.98 to $16 for residential customers.
The council discussed housing in the city, which was prompted by a request for a $2,500 forgivable loan to recipients of Habitat for Humanity homes.
The city will conduct a housing study this summer, Eckerly said. The last study was completed 15 years ago and many homes have been built in the city during the last eight years. The study, which will be completed by the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, will determine if Habitat homes are needed in the city.
ADVERTISEMENT
The cost of the study is $4,000, of which the city will pay $1,000. The remainder will come from matching funds. The housing information is also needed to guide city decisions in new development, as developers have expressed interest in building town homes, condominiums and assisted living facilities in Paynesville, Eckerly said.
In other action, the council:
- Is seeking volunteers to serve on the city's trails and economic development boards. Interested persons should send a letter to city hall, Eckerly said.
