DC sets maximum levy increase at 7.95%

The Dodge Center Council approved a maximum levy of $2.48 million which if approved in December would be a 7.95% increase over 2024.
“This levy is consistent with the levy agreed to by the Council at the July work session,” City Administrator Lee Mattson wrote in a memo. “The tax levy is proposed to increase by 7.95% as the city attempts to approach a tax rate of 80%.”
He explained that the “80% tax rate target is intended to partially offset future tax increases that will be required to fund improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
As part of the maximum levy, it is proposed to increase the General Fund levy by 3.59% for a total of $825,875.
The increase would still be less than 2021-2023, when the levy line was as high as north of $904,000.
The Library Fund levy is proposed to increase by 1.27% “to fund current operations,” according to Mattson. The increase would mean the levy would be $194,264.
As part of the preliminary levy, the Fire Fund would increase by 6.82% for a total of $109,731.
“The largest change is a $5,000 increase in professional services which I believe it directed towards increased hose maintenance,” Matson said.
The final approval for the tax levy will take place following the Truth in Taxation hearing set for Dec. 9 beginning at 6 p.m. The Council is allowed to levy up to the maximum amount set.