The Bemidji City Council approved the final budget and levy for next year during their last meeting of this year. According to City Finance Director Ron Eischens, the levy will increase 6.5% compared to last year, but due to the value of new construction and the increase in property values, the tax rate will remain the same.
The council also approved the 2021 budget for the Sanford Center.
According to city documents, the event center is anticipating less income and expenses to flow through, as there won’t be a lot of income-generating hockey activity until at least March, and no concerts until at least June.
The Sanford Center is anticipating an operating loss of around $591,000 before the city’s investment of $450,000, which leaves a net loss at around $141,000.
Last year, the net loss was around $3,600.
Following the regular meeting, the council held a brief recognition ceremony for outgoing council member Michael Meehlhause and Mayor Rita Albrecht.
