Hubbard County Commissioners approved a preliminary levy of $12.4 million for 2014 at this week’s meeting.
This compares with this year’s certified levy of $11.85 million which was initially set at $12 million.
The county could have added up to $892,000 for debt service, which would have raised the levy to $12,742,986 but chose not to, auditor-treasurer Pam Heeren said. She anticipates the final levy amount may be cut.
The county is expected to receive $692,000 in County Program Aid, up from this year’s $552,857. The board also approved the preliminary 2014 departmental revenue and expenditure budgets, which reflect revenues in the general fund of $9,948,979 and expenditures of the same amount.
A preliminary levy of $230,000 for Housing and Redevelopment Authority was also approved.
A truth in taxation meeting will be held at 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. A final levy will be approved in December.
In other action, the board:
- Took no action on maintenance concerns and upgrade requests at the Hubbard County Historical Museum, the former courthouse.
Director Connie Henderson pointed out “the building has many issues,” including threadbare carpet and the need for a new roof.
She suggested a levy “might be the answer to our funding problems.”
Last year, the county allocated $5,500.
“We can no longer survive on that amount,” she stated. “We respectfully request an increase.”
- Agreed to “hammer out details” by October on combining the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission for 2014.
The board has approved a five-member committee, with a representative to be chosen from each district.
The proposed timeline calls for the county board making appointments in early December, the new BOA/PC taking effect in January.
County commissioners could attend as ex officio members.
- Approved a 30-day extension of the Oct. 15 due date for payment of the second-half real estate taxes for 60 parcels involved in the May Green Valley fire to permit determination of abatement potential.
- Authorized two commissioners attend an Embridge meeting with Cass County representatives at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9 in Backus.
- The meeting was closed for review of pending litigation.
