Byron sets levy

The Byron City Council approved its levy, and tax rate at its annual Truth in Taxation meeting last week.
Since the preliminary maximum levy was approved, there has been no changes to the levy.
“Staff met with the Finance Committee to review the proposed preliminary budget and levy numbers for 2025,” Finance Director Cami Reber wrote in a previous memo. “After discussion and review, it is our recommendation to set the proposed levy for 2025 at $5,954,067.”
As part of the preliminary levy, it includes $2,740,317 for the general fund, $1,833,000 to the Capital Improvement Fund, and $1,380,750 for debt service which includes tax abatements.
With the approval of the levy, it means the city tax rate will stay the same from 2024-2025 at $60.60.
It was explained by Reber that the Tax Capacity Value for property in the City increased overall by 2.49% compared to 2023-2024.
“It is the 2024 values that are used for the 2025 tax calculations,” she said.
Increases to the general fund expenses, will be $107,843, and would be from increases due to staff wages, benefits, general operating costs and the additional cost for the resource officer.
“Health insurance costs will increase 3.5% based on current plan numbers,” Reber said. “The HDHP deductibles are increasing for 2025. The additional contributions to the staff HSA/VEBA plans along with the premium costs for 2025 will have an impact of $7,183.53.”