The Winnebago City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, to examine the city’s 2023 budget.

Following a long discussion, the council is prepared to propose a final property tax levy of $863,406.61 at the city’s Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m.

The proposed levy represents an 8.97 percent increase over 2022’s levy.

“We’re trying to get this as low as possible, but if you watch the news at all, inflation is at 8.3 percent. We’re at the national inflation level,” observed council member Paul Eisenmenger. “Sign the papers – we’ve done well.” 

The council opened the meeting with a proposed final levy of $865,381.61, representing a 9.22 percent increase over the 2022 levy.

During discussion, council member Calvin Howard suggested lowering the $10,000 allocated to the miscellaneous section of the Fire Service Fund to $8,000. He noted that most years, the city had budgeted much less toward that line item.

“These few little thousands make a big percentage difference,” Howard said.

After discussing other potential ways to scrimp and save, the council decided to make no additional cuts to the proposed budget.

“My feeling is that we have to be very careful not to get ourselves in the red again,” said council member Jean Anderson. “I know $1,000 here, $1,000 there can get us down to an 8 percent levy, and looks good, but it is always good to have a little in the savings account.” 

The city is budgeting for several necessary items in 2023, including a new squad car for the Winnebago Police Department, a new ambulance and radios for Winnebago Ambulance, a new fire truck for the Winnebago Fire Department and push button door openers for the Municipal Center.

Hynes noted the city will apply for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to partially cover the purchase of each item. Existing capital funds could cover the remaining cost of the items, with the exception of the new ambulance, which would be eligible for a United Hospital District loan.

After next week’s Truth in Taxation hearing, the council will vote to officially approve the proposed 2023 property tax levy.

In other business, the Winnebago City Council: 

• Entered into closed session to discuss union negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 949. No decisions were made during the closed session.

• Following the closed session, voted unanimously to deny a labor agreement with the IBEW Local Union 949 as proposed.