City council approves 3.13 percent levy

The city council efficiently worked on agenda items during the final 2023 meeting on Dec. 27, potentially setting a new record time.

From roll call to adjournment, the entire meeting lasted only two minutes. 

Within those two minutes, the city council approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, payment of bills, 2024 tobacco licenses, and 2024 non-union cost of living. 

Then, the council moved on to unanimously approve the final 2023 tax levy at 3.13 percent.

In Sept., the city council set the preliminary levy of 7.19 percent. Personnel expenses were a significant factor contributing to the increased preliminary levy at the time.

As year-end numbers rolled in from the recreation park, revenue was better than expected. City Administrator Mike Roth said during the Dec. 13 meeting, “The biggest change in the revenue numbers is the rec parks revenue.” The increased revenue from the recreation park is approximately $50,000.

With the increased revenue from the recreation park, decreased projected health insurance costs for the library employees, and a few other minor changes, the city ultimately trimmed the levy from 7.19 percent to 3.13 percent. 

The 2024 property tax levy is $1,079,742.58, up from $1,046,936.08 in 2023. 

Find the entire city council meeting here. 

WTIP spoke with Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson following the Dec. 27 city council meeting to discuss the levy and 2024 projects the council will focus on. Audio below. 

Kalli Hawkins January 1, 2024