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Dawson council approves 7.5% levy increase for 2025 amid budget adjustments
Summary
The Dawson City Council voted unanimously Dec. 3 to set the 2025 levy at a 7.5% increase, allocating revenue increases to operating costs, pool funding and several capital placeholders while approving smaller administrative and training items.
The Dawson City Council on Dec. 3 approved a 7.5% property-tax levy increase for 2025, voting unanimously after a brief presentation of budget changes and program requests.
The council adopted the levy on a motion by Councilman JT Schacherer, seconded by Councilman Jeff Olson; all six councilmembers voted in favor and none opposed. The funding committee had recommended the 7.5% figure after trimming a preliminary proposal of 8.16%.
City Manager Jill Kemen summarized the budgetary effects the committee built into the proposed levy, including a $103,014 increase in tax revenue, a $643 increase in local government aid, and $152,010 more in other income, yielding an overall operating increase of $255,667. The pool levy was increased by $5,350 to $78,850.
Planned expenditures incorporated into the 2025 draft budget include a $15,000 trade-in allowance for lawn mowers, wage increases for part-time employees intended to remain competitive in the local labor market, capital-improvement placeholders for pool repairs and other capital expenditures, and funding for a new EDA Deputy City Clerk position.
Kemen also reported that the EDA has submitted paperwork and a $7,000 nonrefundable fee for a planned duplex project targeted for spring 2025; the EDA has been asked to take the lead on a local daycare shortage while the school system remains involved as a partner.
Council action at the Dec. 3 meeting also covered several administrative items: the council approved a requested training-cost increase from the League of Minnesota Cities for the Regional Safety Group, and approved leaving VOTER operations and election-technology funds with the county (county reporting to the state remains in place).
Votes at a glance - Agenda approval: motion by Councilman Charlie Prestholdt; second by Councilman JT Schacherer; outcome: passed, yes 6–0. - Consent agenda (Nov. 12 minutes, Nov. 19 work session minutes, November financials): motion by Councilman Schacherer; second by Councilman David Hansen; outcome: passed, yes 6–0. - League training increase: motion by Councilman Jeff Olson; second by Councilman JT Schacherer; outcome: passed, yes 6–0. - VOTER funds to remain with county: motion by Councilman Jeff Olson; second by Councilman Jake Bothun; outcome: passed, yes 6–0. - 2025 levy set at 7.5%: motion by Councilman JT Schacherer; second by Councilman Jeff Olson; outcome: passed, yes 6–0. - Adjournment: motion by Councilman Jeff Olson; second by Councilman David Hansen; outcome: passed, yes 6–0.
Why it matters: The levy increase provides predictable revenue for the city’s operating budget and earmarked capital needs, including pool repairs and staff-cost adjustments; it also funds an administrative position to support EDA activity that city leaders say is central to planned housing and childcare efforts. The council voted without recorded opposition; next steps include final budget publication and any required county/state reporting.
The council also heard the first reading of Ordinance 327, which would change utility use and connection rates; that item was read for the record and its summary will be published in the paper. The council adjourned at 7:13 pm.
