By Clark Natalie

The city of Harris is looking at a levy increase of a little over 8 percent, with the levy amount increasing from $270,000 in 2005 to $292,950 in 2006.

Mayor Rick Smisson has calculated that the average property owner could see an increase of $62 a year, based on the 300 homes within the city, not taking into account specific valuation.

For 2006, Harris will receive $131,322 in local government aid. The levy is only 38 percent of the total city revenues. Total revenues are expected to be $475,869 with expenditures of $461,939.

During the discussion on the budget Sept. 12, Fire Chief John Pelant questioned the amount proposed for public works, specifically the amount for gravel for the roads.

Mike Kriz, city maintenance supervisor, said with the mileage of roads within the city that require gravel, to redo every street over a five year plan would cost $50,000 to $60,000. This could be such a substantial increase to the budget that the council would like to put the matter to a referendum at the November elections.

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