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Willmar council trims levy increase, debates HR hours, SROs and CIP in 2025 budget review
Summary
Council reviewed a preliminary 2025 budget that staff adjusted from a 9.3% levy increase to 8.58% after line-item changes and a $25,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield grant; council debated restoring SROs, increasing an HR position to 30 hours and the size of the CIP allocation.
City staff presented a preliminary 2025 budget that reduced the previously discussed levy increase from 9.3% to about 8.58% after adjustments to operations, CIP and specific line items. Staff attributed the remaining increase primarily to operations/CIP increases (about $254,630), equipment certificates and debt service. The adjustments included a $25,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield earmarked for cultural diversity events, which staff said will offset part of the levy pressure.
Council members asked line-by-line questions on several departmental items. Parks and recreation revenues and the Dorothy Olson aquatic center (DOAC) admissions were discussed; staff noted daily admission has been $3 since opening and that season-pass rates are higher. Council also examined the fire and public works budgets, overtime assumptions and a clerical correction that reduced some department asks by roughly $48,000.
A notable personnel item was a staff request to increase a human-resources position from 26 to 30 hours per week so the employee would qualify for benefits. HR Director Leanne said the request reflected increased compliance work, onboarding and year-round duties and that similar cities typically have larger HR FTE. Several council members suggested delaying the increase, hiring a second part-time worker or holding the line given current levy pressures; the council agreed to defer the increase for this budget cycle.
Police staffing and school resource officer (SRO) coverage were another focal point. Chief Felt said the department is running below desired staffing (noting roughly 32 officers with some in training), warned that further reductions would limit flexibility and that restoring officers remains important for public safety. Council also discussed the library's 5% funding request, possible use of sale proceeds from a city property in Redwood Falls for CIP, and whether to reduce planning and development professional services from $100,000 to $75,000 to balance priorities.
Staff indicated they will return with refined numbers and that the council can revisit changes at the Oct. 21 meeting or call a special meeting if needed before Truth in Taxation.
