The Bemidji City Council held their first discussions on what the 2024 levy will look like.
Between required personnel increases and years of deferred maintenance on facilities, recommended increases from staff, without any cuts or new revenues, would translate to a 22 percent levy increase.
The Minnesota Legislature passed a new tax package that places a moratorium on special use taxes such as new sales or hospitality taxes.
Staff increases are requested across the board but particularly for the city’s first responders: police and fire.
The legislative package also includes an increase in local government aid and one-time dollars for public safety, in addition to new items such as recreational cannabis.
The council will set its preliminary budget and levy in September and then finalize it in December.
