Alice Pickering
Wyoming Reporter

A 2008 preliminary property tax levy, not-to-exceed $1,886,074 has been approved for the city of Wyoming following council action on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

City Administrator Craig Mattson explained that this is the maximum amount which could be levied by the city. It is necessary to approve a preliminary levy at the maximum, because while it can be adjusted downward, it cannot be increased.

Some budget items are not negotiable; among these are the bonded indebtedness, fire hall payment, tax abatement, and EDA levy. Therefore any adjustments must be made in the general operating fund, which represent $1,478,333 of the preliminary levy. Last year this was $1,388,000.

Mattson told the city council last week the preliminary levy sets the maximum the city can levy. The not-to-exceed number represents a five-percent increase in the levy from last year. He said that eventually a three-percent increase may be more realistic when final numbers are determined.

Asked by Mayor Sheldon Anderson how sure he was of the projected increase, Mattson said he is confident necessary budget adjustments can be made. The approved amount provides a cushion.

Mattson said departments will be presenting their respective budgets a little differently this year. Costs in each department will be split between areas of service within departments. As examples he gave snow removal in different sections of the city and maintenance in the central business district. This will help council members see actual costs.

Mattson said major fluctuations are the costs of fuel and lubricants, particularly since police and street maintenance cannot always control how much fuel is used.

Council member Blake Tiedeman asked for a formal time line for planning. Council member Tom LaBarre also hopes to hold the budget to inflation of three percent. A two-percent increase in the budget and levy was what Council member Gary Menne hopes to see.

Mattson expects to have a preliminary budget for council review within the month. Special work sessions are a possibility for council.

Approval of the preliminary levy was unanimous. Truth in Taxation hearings are set Tuesday, Dec. 11, and if necessary, Monday, Dec. 17. The final levy will be adopted by council on Dec. 18.

Other actions

Council member Menne reported attending the court hearing for Charles Vogel and was upset about the treatment Vogel was given in the court. He saw no reason Vogel should appear in shackles.

Acting Police Chief Scott Dexter and Attorney Dave Snyder explained that in Chisago County, detainees are under the jurisdiction of Chisago County Sheriff. Snyder said he had no personal control of Vogel and did not know the reason for the treatment.

The city is to begin its search for a police chief. Mattson recommended consulting with Dick Setter who worked with the city and police department six years ago. There would be some costs associated with his help. Dick Elsted, a retired police chief, could also help.

Tiedeman asked about obligations to any officers on leave. One officer has been on leave with the National Guard for four years and according to Mattson “we may not have a legal obligation” to hold open a position.

In response to Council member Joe Zerwas concern about strangers helping select a new chief, Mattson said council members are always consultants. LaBarre believes in the value of having outside input in the selection process.

Council authorized staff to start the process of advertising and selecting a police chief for the city. The vote was 4-1, with Zerwas voting against. The difference in opinion seems to be the selection process.

Wyoming Township has appointed two supervisors to serve on the Joint Wyoming/Wyoming Township Comprehensive Plan Task Force. Council member Blake Tiedeman proposed that Mayor Anderson and Council member LaBarre serve as city representatives.Approval was unanimous, 5-0. Cost of the developing the comprehensive plan is budgeted at $46,000 to be split evenly between the city and the township.

The joint sewer commission is still searching for the source of effluent toxic to the sewer treatment system, according to Menne. There have been five meetings recently. Whatever chemical or substance that is being dumped in the wastewater mains kills bacteria that breakdown wastewater. The sequential process is interrupted and processing is incomplete.

Other business

In other business, council:

•As part of the consent agenda, authorized the mayor and administrator to sign engagement letter for auditing and related services with HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd. to complete the 2007 city audit.

•As part of the consent agenda, approved the maintenance agreement between the city of Wyoming and Itron, Inc. for meter reading ERT Transceiver in the amount of $1535 per year.

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