By Steve Morris

The Rush City council approved the final levy for the upcoming year at its meeting Monday, Dec. 11.

The levy increased from $328,100 to $339,220. The biggest increase from a year ago was the Community Development fund which increased by $20,000. The Community Development fund is dedicated to debt service.

The biggest decrease from 2006 is in the fire equipment fund, which dropped $5,000.

City Administrator Amy Mell said the city portion of the property taxes would stay the same or decrease because property values in the community increased over the last year. An increase in the city's portion of residents property tax bills would be unlikely, she said.

Aside from approving the 2007 final levy and budget, the council agreed to start advertising for a part-time financial director. The previous situation, a contracted part-time director, was not working out. "The person we hired part-time is too busy," Mell noted. She will advertise in local publications to get the process started.

Mell said she hopes to be able to fill the position by February and that salary would be negotiable. The decision to hire the financial director would need to approved from the council.

The council is looking for someone with a background in city finances. They have looked at neighboring cites such as North Branch, Braham and Stacy to see how they operate their in-house finances.

In other business:

• The council reviewed aquatic center operations for 2006. The center collected nearly $60,000 in admissions fees last summer.

• 2007 tobacco licenses were approved.

• The council agreed to work with the Rush City VFW, on their problem with a broken sewer line.

•The council approved bills in the amount of $101,359.99.

•The council approved a mutual aid agreement with the Minnesota Department of Corrections. There is no end date for the agreement. If either party wants out of the agreement, a 30-day notice is required.

•Because the next regular meeting falls on Christmas Day, the council will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Dec. 26.