Waite Park To Discuss Budget and Levy for 2016

WAITE PARK -- The Waite Park City Council will discuss the preliminary budget and levy for 2016 this (Monday) evening.

The preliminary budget comes in just over $7.3-million, which is about an 8% increase over last year's budget.

Waite Park City Administrator Shaunna Johnson says the increases takes into account the 17th Avenue roadway extension, future park area, a new public works facility and the addition of two city staff positions.

The total levy for will come in just over $7-million, about $1-million more than last year. Johnson says the numbers can be misleading, as there is an increase in tax capacity, which will likely decrease the tax rate for residents.

With the councils approval, Johnson says staff will look to evaluate and refine the budget over the next several months.

A public hearing has been set for December 7th and the final budget and levy will be set after that.