Preliminary tax levy approved

CROSSLAKE - The Crosslake City Council Monday approved a preliminary tax levy collected in 2008, which is expected to mean a 3.6 percent increase from 2007.

The preliminary levy and city budget may be decreased before its final adoption, but it may not increase. The city's 2008 expenditure budget is expected to be $3,826,992. The city approved a preliminary 2008 tax levy of $2,614,255 in order to fund its expenditures.

That is an increase of $152,881 or 6.2 percent from the 2007 levy of $2,461,374. Based on Crow Wing County estimates, construction is expected to bring in $76,118. City Administrator Tom Swenson said he is using a conservative estimate of $65,000 for the money generated from construction. That money is used to offset the levy impact on taxpayers.

With construction dollars subtracted from the proposed levy, the proposed tax levy for the existing tax base is expected to be $2,549,255, or $87,881 more than 2007's tax levy for a 3.6 percent increase from last year.

Expenditures grew in a number of areas.

The 2008 proposed budget includes $6,600 for library operations, which was not in the 2007 budget.

The police department's operating budget grew from $396,985 in 2007 to $421,569. The fire department's operating budget grew from $107,064 in 2007 to $111,352 in 2008. Park and recreation's operating budget grew from $277,132 in 2007 to $310,854 in 2008.

In other business, the council:

Was reminded the Crosslake Chautauqua's Growth After You Are Grown seminar's guest speaker Larry Hopkins is offering perspective on six factors to help live a fuller, more satisfying and productive life. The seminar is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Crosslake Community Center. Admission is free.

Heard if this winter brings snow, Crosslake is going to be host to a sled-dog race that expects to brings teams from Alaska, Canada, Argentina and Jamaica.

The sled-dog teams are expected to take part in Winterfest, Feb. 8-10. Roger Roy, an owner of Cross-Tech Manufacturing Inc., said most of the dog-sled route was set for 10-mile loop.

Roy said about 80 mushers are anticipated for the event that could include vendors, fireworks and children's rides.

RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.