Proctor council sets 7% preliminary levy, preserving room to lower it before final adoption

The Proctor City Council voted Sept. 15 to set a 7% preliminary levy for 2025, a motion moved by Councilor DeWal and carried by voice vote.

Finance Director Brunfeld provided documentation and told the council she used numbers reflecting the most expensive case scenarios and recommended setting a preliminary levy at 7 percent. Councilors noted that the preliminary levy can be reduced later but not increased once set, and that the levy must be finalized by statutory deadlines. Members agreed to plan budget work sessions in the coming weeks to review details and potential reductions.

Council members asked about flexibility in the figure and timing for additional review. Administrator Rich and councilors discussed scheduling budget sessions between October and the end of November to develop the final budget. Councilors also referenced the timing for the final budget; the council noted a calendar target of late December for adopting the final budget for 2025.

The council approved the 7% preliminary levy by voice vote. Setting the preliminary levy preserves the city’s ability to lower the rate during upcoming budget sessions but requires action before the Sept. 30 statutory deadline to publish a levy. The council signaled it will continue analysis and hold dedicated budget meetings to refine the final levy and spending plan.