Lakeville City Council Plans Levy Reduction in Altered Budget

A last-minute round of budget adjustments by Lakeville's City Council will likely save most property tax payers in town some money, as more than $640,000 in budgeted expenses are coming off the books.

In September, the City Council passed a preliminary 2013 budget of $23.74 million—an increase of 2.7 percent from this current year's budget. But at this Dec. 3 Truth in Taxation Hearing, the council showed off a new budget that was whittled down by $647,658—to $23.09 million, which is a .1 percent decrease compared to this year.

Under the revised levy, the average home in Lakeville—valued at $214,800—will see a 2.4 percent decrease in the city portion of their property tax bill, according to the city, saving the average household about $20.

On the flip side, commercial and industrial properties valued from $100,000-$1 million will see an increase in their city property taxes of 6.3 to 6.9 percent.

The revised levy and budget include a sizable increase in forecast revenue from building permits in 2013—$183,333—as well as a similar uptick in this year's permits—$184,420. Personnel adjustments, maintenance items being funded by a different source, and other miscellaneous adjustments make up the $647,658 reduction.

According to a Sun Thisweek story, the levy also includes some new spending, specifically in the form of $9,388 to re-open Cherryview ice rink near Dodd Boulevard and 175th Street. The rink was closed three years ago as part of a budget cutting move, but it's being re-opened and will be one of eight rinks up and running this winter.

Lakeville Patch will have more when the levy and budget are finalized later this month.