Alexandria proposes 4.6 percent levy increase next year

Alexandria is proposing an overall tax levy increase of 4.6 percent next year.

It set its preliminary 2012 budget and levy Monday night after holding several work sessions and budget discussions about how it could make up for a loss in state local government aid and the elimination of the market value homestead credit. Combined, the losses totaled $673,695 – a 36 percent cut from the amount it expected to receive from the state.

See Wednesday's Echo Press for complete details on the budget discussion and how the council crunched the numbers.

Also read Wednesday's story to find out about other items that were on the agenda:

--Assessments for the waterline extension project as part of the phase 3, part two orderly annexation agreement in Alexandria Township.

--An engineering agreement with Widseth Smith Nolting and Associates for a storm sewer project on South Broadway near 30th Avenue.

--Annual retirement benefits set aside for volunteer firefighters.

--A resolution honoring Elden’s Food Fair.

--A six-band performance outside of Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill.

--A "Taking Steps Against Domestic Violence” walk.

--A petition presented by residents concerned with recent flooding caused by high water.

--A measure to establish a new city fee schedule in 2012.

--Possible changes to the city’s peddler’s ordinance.

Tags: local news, news, updates, council, tax