Posted 9/12/01 Harris approves more modest budget increase than expected By Danielle Strenke Final budget figures presented to the Harris City Council Wed., Sept. 5 were noticeably lower than the first set of proposed figures reviewed at its previous meeting. Clerk Kim Hugger explained that after all of the exact amounts spent in 2001 were added in, she reviewed each budget line item and adjusted proposed amounts for 2002. The result was a total proposed levy amount of $167,702.35, an increase of less than $14,000 over the 2001 levy. The increase will mean slightly over a seven percent increase to local taxpayers, although the increased tax base in Harris could result in taxpayers seeing little or no increase on their 2002 tax bill. ìBecause thereís a greater tax base, it will probably mean lower taxes,î councilmember David Christianson said. The council unanimously approved the final budget figures, more than a week before it is due into the county. Councilor Dan Walton was absent from the meeting. Hugger said one big difference on the budget will come in the amount Harris receives in state aid. While it will no longer receive HACA (Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid) funds, it will realize an increase in LGA (Local Government Aid) funds next year. ìYou actually gain about $5,000,î she said. The city will receive an estimated $126,181 in income in 2002, including LGA, fire contracts, interest, and other miscellaneous income. Major expenditures include $32,000 in bond payments for the new fire hall and more than $36,000 overall for roads. Trimming down of other categories included a $1,500 decrease for purchasing office supplies and miscellaneous items, a $1,500 decrease for maintenance and remodeling of city hall, and a $1,700 reduction in the estimated cost of electricity for the street lights. The budget also includes a fire apparatus fund, which will be used ultimately to defray a portion of costs associated with replacing fire department vehicles on a rotating basis. Council member Lyle Holmstrom was concerned about having funds available should the city decide to hire a full time maintenance person next year. He said increasing the budget slightly under roads would probably be enough to cover salary. ìI think thereís enough here that you could make it work,î he said. ìIf you bump up the wages under paved and unpaved streets because thatís where most of it would come from anyway.î The council and Mayor Richard Hanson agreed that the budget was a conservative one. ìI donít think weíre exorbitant here on anything,î Holmstrom said. ìIím happy with this budget,î councilmember Wayne Buisman said. ìI donít think thereís going to be a shortfall there anywhere,î Mayor Hanson said. With the preliminary budget amount approved, the city will not be able to increase the 2002 levy amount. ©Post Review