Mantorville council sets preliminary 2025 levy at 13% and schedules Truth in Taxation hearing

The Mantorville City Council on Sept. 23 voted to set the city’s preliminary 2025 property tax levy at 13% and scheduled the Truth in Taxation hearing for Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The council also set a line-by-line preliminary budget review for Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

The levy motion was made by Councilmember Jeff Ingalls and seconded by Councilmember Lynnette Nash; the vote was 4-0. Councilmembers present were Henry Blair, Jeff Ingalls and Lynnette Nash; Lyle Hoaglund was absent and Mayor Chuck Bradford presided.

The preliminary levy determines the starting point for the city’s budget process and sets the schedule for public review of the final levy. Council materials show the levy-setting occurred alongside discussion of the broader preliminary 2025 budget.

Other formal actions taken at the meeting included approval of the Dodge County Sheriff’s 2025 contract, routine permit approvals and procurement for street repairs. Sheriff Scott Rose told the council the cost to the city under the 2025 contract has increased by 3%, which the sheriff said has been the usual annual change over the past decade; the council approved the contract on a motion by Councilmember Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Councilmember Henry Blair, by a 4-0 vote.

The council approved a bid from S.L. Contracting for street projects at $53,690.00 after Public Works Lead Joe Adams presented bids from Elcor, DeCook, Durst and S.L. Contracting; Councilmember Henry Blair moved and Councilmember Jeff Ingalls seconded the approval, which passed 4-0.

The consent agenda passed unanimously and included routine items such as the accounts payable warrant list, minutes from prior meetings and acceptance of the resignation of Bob Ott. Council also approved a septic permit for 28 Leprechaun Lane (motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Lynnette Nash; 4-0).

City Clerk-Treasurer Gretchen Lohrbach reported that the city filed an insurance claim after a wellhouse lightning strike and that there have been initial reports of injury tied to chlorine issues at the wellhouse; she said invoices will be submitted as they come in. Lohrbach also reminded council members that Local Board of Appeal and Equalization training must be completed by Feb. 1, 2025, said Amy Evans (Dodge County) will continue to provide updates on cannabis ordinance developments, noted that Alyson Laganiere will begin employment with the city on Sept. 30, and reported the Fire Department needs a replacement computer and that funds are available in the budget.

The Mantorville Restoration Association announced it will award $5,000 to the Mantorville Fire Department. Mayor Chuck Bradford noted local funeral arrangements for a resident and asked that flowers be sent on behalf of the city.

Votes at a glance: • Consent agenda (accounts payable, minutes, acceptance of Bob Ott resignation, Mantorville Fire Dept. minutes): motion by Henry Blair, seconded by Jeff Ingalls; 4 ayes, 0 nays; outcome: approved. • Pull Dodge Center Ambulance Special Taxing District off table: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Henry Blair; 4-0; outcome: pulled for discussion. • Pull Dodge County Sheriff’s Contract for 2025 off table: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Lynnette Nash; 4-0; outcome: pulled for discussion. • Approve Dodge County Sheriff’s Contract for 2025: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Henry Blair; 4-0; outcome: approved. Clerk’s note: sheriff stated a 3% cost increase. • Approve septic permit for 28 Leprechaun Lane: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Lynnette Nash; 4-0; outcome: approved. • Set preliminary levy at 13%: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Lynnette Nash; 4-0; outcome: approved. • Refer citizen complaint to City Prosecutor for review: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Henry Blair; 4-0; outcome: approved. • Approve S.L. Contracting bid for street projects ($53,690.00): motion by Henry Blair, seconded by Jeff Ingalls; 4-0; outcome: approved. • Adjourn: motion by Jeff Ingalls, seconded by Henry Blair; 4-0; outcome: approved.

Next steps: the council will hold a line-by-line preliminary budget meeting Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. and the Truth in Taxation hearing to set the final levy on Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.