By Kerri Rempp
The City of Chadron set its levy for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, at its most recent meeting.
The city is seeking $1.3 million in property taxes for its general fund, and implemented a levy of .404677. Assessed valuations in the city increased this year by 3.4%.
The city’s overall budget, which includes plans to spend down some cash reserves, increased by 34% for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Much of that can be attributed to several grants the city is budgeting for, said financial officer Michelle Stoke. The budget includes $140,000 from Game and Parks for Memorial Park improvements, $399,000 for the EPA Brownfield Grant, $322,000 for snow removal equipment, more than $100,000 for the Cowboy Trail Connection and $1.4 million for the new fire truck, all grant-funded dollars.
While some of those projects are not expected to be completed during the upcoming fiscal year, the grant funds and their expenditures still need to be included.
“You have to budget aggressively, so if the revenues are there you have the authority to spend it,” said Mayor George Klein.
Council members thanked city staff for the work on the budget.