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Decorah council adopts FY2027 budget; levy rate down but property tax dollars rise
Summary
After a required public hearing with no speakers, the Decorah City Council approved the fiscal year ending 2027 budget, lowering the levy rate but increasing total property tax dollars due to assessed value growth; council members pressed staff on dispatch funding and county agreements.
The Decorah City Council unanimously approved the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget after holding the public hearing required by Iowa code. Staff noted the hearing had been published in the Decor Leader and that no written comments had been received.
Travis summarized the proposal: the total levy would be 15.52157, down from 16.17306 in the prior year, while total property tax dollars levied would increase to $7,346,717 from $6,794,456. The adoption was taken to comply with state timelines for certification prior to April 30.
During discussion several council members praised staff for the work on the budget and clarified that while the levy rate fell, assessed property values (outside the city's control) had risen, producing higher total tax dollars. One councilor asked for clarification about funding for emergency dispatch services: the city has paid a significant share and is negotiating a 28E (2080-style) agreement that would shift day-to-day oversight to the county sheriff while the EMA retains equipment ownership. Councilors expressed concerns about the city effectively subsidizing county dispatch costs and asked staff to track whether the city’s contribution is appropriate compared with peer communities.
After discussion Mayor pro tem called for a motion. A motion to approve the proposed budget passed on a roll-call vote; the resolution approving the budget was adopted unanimously.
Next steps: the city will certify the budget as required by Iowa law; council asked staff to provide follow-up information on the dispatch funding arrangement and the structure of any intergovernmental agreement.
