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West Branch council hears 3.2% property tax levy proposal to add police officer, raise police pay
Summary
At a special April 1 meeting, West Branch officials held a public hearing on a proposed 3.2% property tax increase for fiscal 2025, saying about 90–95% of the increase would fund one new police officer and higher police wages. No public comments were offered.
West Branch City Administrator Adam Kofoed presented a proposal at a special City Council meeting on April 1 outlining a 3.2% estimated increase to the city's property tax levy for fiscal year 2025, saying most of the additional revenue would pay for adding one police officer and for higher wages in the police department.
Kofoed, who presented the budget highlights during the public hearing, said roughly 90 to 95 percent of the proposed levy increase is tied to personnel costs for the police department. He said the city has made "hard budget cuts," is rebuilding reserve levels and that higher reserves help lower borrowing costs when the city issues bonds. Residents were directed to contact the city office with questions about the budget and taxes.
Mayor Roger Laughlin opened the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. and closed it at 6:09 p.m.; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. Earlier in the meeting the council approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Councilmember Tom Dean, seconded by Jerry Sexton; the motion carried on a voice vote.
The meeting concluded with a motion by Dean, seconded by Sexton, to adjourn; the motion carried on a voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
No formal vote to set the maximum levy is recorded in the meeting minutes; the hearing provided a public presentation and an opportunity for comment.
