Buffalo City council approves lower mill rate, reallocates funds and hires rink attendants

The City of Buffalo City Common Council on Dec. 9 approved a reduced 2024 mill rate after the city’s total assessed value increased, moved machinery-fund money to a park well project and approved hires and routine payments.

The council voted unanimously to set the 2024 mill rate at 13.11 per $1,000, down from 24.22 per $1,000. Councilmember George Fuller moved the mill-rate resolution and Kim Beseler seconded. According to the council discussion, the city’s levy amount stayed the same while school, county and technical college levies rose, and an increase in the city’s assessed value produced the lower rate.

Councilmember Jeannie Czaplewski moved, and Beseler seconded, transferring $4,175 from the machinery fund to be used for the 10th Street park well project, which the minutes say was not completed this year; the motion passed unanimously. The council also reviewed three building permits issued since the last meeting.

In recreation business, Fuller reported the Community Action Committee plans an ice-fishing contest in January. The council reviewed two applications for skating-rink attendant positions; Mayor Ben Holien recommended hiring both applicants, and Kim Beseler moved with Fuller seconding to hire them. The council approved the hires.

The council approved payment of the city’s bills on a motion from Fuller and a second from Czaplewski. Larry Johansen moved and Fuller seconded to adjourn, and the council voted to adjourn.

The meeting record shows no public attendees and no votes recorded against any motions; motions were recorded as "all yes, motion carried."