RC sets levy and ëhopes for the bestí

By MaryHelen Swanson
So many unknowns at this time leave Rush City officials unable to tell residents just how the 13 percent levy increase they approved Monday night will affect their taxes.
The total preliminary 2004 levy is at $362,610. The 2003 levy was $321,100.
For 2004, the state is taking away over $60,000 and rolling Housing Aid into the General Fund. A few months ago the city already made adjustments to go with the state aid that was taken away in 2003.
ìItís pretty much bare bones,î said City Administrator Daniel Hoffman of the 2004 budget. He recommended the levy amount with a caveat that they ìhope for the best.î
Next yearís budget includes no wage increases, but a 11-12 percent increase in health insurance coverage for city employees. The budgeted amount for the Aquatic Center is the same as this year at $4,000, but the councilors know the city is going to be asked to pick up more than that in 2004.
About $35,000 has been added for a new front end loader fund, but Hoffman said that could be cut. Other small cuts include $200 less for parks and $200 less for publication of the cityís newsletter Dateline.
Things that will affect how the levy increase will affect city residents include any increase in the valuation of their property and changes in the tax capacity due to increased housing and business growth.
Residents should know that the levy adopted Monday affects only their city taxes.
There are also county, school and special levies that will appear on their tax statements.
Rush City expects to garner $637,050 in total revenues next year including $364,560 in local government aid.
The city is not expecting any other state grants or aids or any homestead credit.
The council set 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 for the annual truth in taxation hearing.

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