By: News Director Larissa Donovan
BEMIDJI– The Bemidji City Council discussed some budget and policy issues that the city may face next year.
If two law enforcement grants aren’t renewed, the levy may increase by four-point-six percent. The council will find out if the two grants will be renewed before the next budget meeting.
Each grant represents a little more than one percent of the potential levy increase.
Next year, the city will also annex part of Northern Township as part of a long-standing agreement.
While no property taxes will be collected next year, there are still expenses to serve the newly annexed portion of the city, as said by Mayor Rita Albrecht.
The city will see if another police officer is necessary in 2021 to serve the newly annexed portion.
The next budget discussions include a meeting in August, setting the preliminary tax levy and budget in September, and then adopting a final levy and budget in December.
