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Wyoming council adopts preliminary 2025 levy, sets Dec. 2 hearing
Summary
The Wyoming City Council voted Sept. 16 to set a preliminary 2025 tax levy that increases the overall levy by $488,099 (8.42%) and scheduled the truth-in-taxation hearing for Dec. 2, 2025. Finance director Jesse Sturtz outlined revenue and expense drivers including COLA, new part-time positions and street funding increases.
Wyoming Mayor Iverson and the City Council on Sept. 16 approved a preliminary 2025 tax levy and set a Dec. 2 truth-in-taxation public hearing.
Finance Director Jesse Sturtz told the council the general fund levy is rising $318,881 (7.21%). She said other levy changes include a $222,600 increase for capital equipment and a $100,000 increase to the street replacement (408) fund, producing an overall levy increase of $488,099, about an 8.42% rise compared with the prior year. "Once the levy is set, we cannot increase it at all," Sturtz said, urging caution in the council's action.
Sturtz reviewed revenue and expense details: total revenues are projected to rise $450,081, led by the property tax increase; building permit revenue and intergovernmental aid were also adjusted upward to reflect recent activity. On the expenditure side, Sturtz said wages and benefits are a primary driver, noting COLA and step increases and listing added positions including a part-time civilian service officer and a part-time firefighter. She estimated tax impacts for homeowners: a $200,000 house about $25 more, a $300,000 house about $42 more and a $600,000 house about $90 more under the presented levy, emphasizing that those estimates assume no market-value increases.
Mayor Iverson and council members asked staff how much COLA influenced the change and about the street funding increase. Rob Linwood said COLA and step increases are a component but that the council’s prioritization of street projects and an annual $100,000 commitment to the street fund were also major factors. "Every three years we do a pavement management index," Linwood said, describing how the city prioritizes reconstructions and reclamations.
Member Anstead moved to approve Resolution 25 0 9 94, the preliminary levy and hearing date; Member Luker seconded. The council voted by voice; the motion carried and the hearing was set for Dec. 2, 2025.
The preliminary levy can be lowered at a later meeting but not raised after adoption; final figures and any adjustments will be considered ahead of the Dec. 2 hearing.
