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Willmar City Council adopts 2025 budget, sets $11.13 million levy after heated tax debate
Summary
After public comment about rising assessments and a council debate over ARPA allocations, Willmar City Council approved the proposed 2025 budget and later set a $11,132,914 tax levy. The budget resolution passed 6–1; the levy passed unanimously 7–0.
Willmar — The Willmar City Council adopted its 2025 budget after a Truth in Taxation hearing and public comment about rising property assessments and household tax burdens.
Finance Director Tom Odens opened the hearing, describing the three-part tax levy and how proposed 2025 collections would be allocated. "Tonight is the Truth in Taxation hearing for the taxes payable 2025," Odens said as he outlined that roughly 85% of the levy supports the general fund and showed per‑dollar allocations: 38¢ for public safety, 24¢ for general government, 22¢ for public works and 16¢ for culture and recreation.
The hearing drew multiple residents who criticized assessment increases and the impact on household budgets. "Why are my taxes up 46% in 4 years?" resident Joe Riddler asked during public comment, urging the council to "get the ax out" and cut administrative spending. Another resident said his taxes had "doubled in 3 years" after building a garage and asked for fairness in assessments.
Council discussion focused heavily on how to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and whether to shift money to lower the levy. Odens summarized options discussed in work sessions, including allocating $150,000 to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) housing trust, $87,000 for park playgrounds or using that $87,000 for police squad cars. Odens also noted about $190,000 in departmental reductions and the need to budget $155,000 for a citywide Tyler software subscription.
Councilmember Audrey, who serves as liaison to the HRA, argued for keeping the $150,000 ARPA allocation for housing. "Housing is one of our most critical needs in our community," she said, and moved to approve the levy as proposed. After debate — including a proposal from another councilmember to take $75,000 from ARPA to reduce the levy — the council voted to approve the resolution adopting the proposed 2025 budget (roll call recorded six ayes, one no; Councilmember Butterfield voted no).
Later in the meeting council separately adopted the tax levy resolution in the amount of $11,132,914 by a unanimous roll‑call vote (7–0).
The council did not change the levy amount at the Dec. 2 meeting; staff said calculations for the final tax rate are refined by the county auditor and assessor during certification. Odens had warned that the 2025 figures were still estimates pending county refinement.
What's next: The adopted budget and levy will be certified to the county to appear on 2025 tax notices. The council indicated it will continue pursuing grants and will return to unfunded capital needs in future budgets.
