The Winnebago City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 to deal with two matters, the proposed tax levy for 2025 and a cannabis ordinance for the city.

The majority of the meeting was spent on the tax levy with council members and city administrator Judi Hynes meticulously reviewing the expected revenues and expenses for the 2025 budget year.

Hynes pointed out that the city’s 307 Fund, which was used to pay for the Sixth Street Southwest Project, was going to be paid off this year.

“We also have positive news regarding our Water Fund and Storm Sewer Fund which now have good balances,” Hynes added.

When the council members were satisfied they had done all they could with the budget, the proposed levy for 2025 had an increase of $83,133 to $1,005,161, which is 9.02 percent higher than last year’s levy.

“We are still waiting to hear about some delinquent taxes coming in which may allow us to lower the levy a little more,” Hynes explained.

The council is set to pass the 2025 budget and tax levy when they hold their Truth in Taxation meeting next Tuesday, Dec. 10.

With the discussion on the budget and levy completed, the council began reviewing the proposed cannabis ordinance.

“This ordinance is very similar to what other cities in the area are doing,” Hynes explained. “It has a setback of 1,000 feet from schools and 500 feet from a day care facility and public parks, which include playgrounds and fields.”

The council will have the first reading of the ordinance at their next meeting. Currently, they plan on holding a public hearing with the intent to pass the cannabis ordinance at a special meeting on Dec. 30.