The Hastings City Council will vote at its Sept. 18 meeting on setting a proposed tax levy to support its 2024 budget.
The council held a workshop prior to its Sept. 4 meeting to talk …
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The Hastings City Council will vote at its Sept. 18 meeting on setting a proposed tax levy to support its 2024 budget.
The council held a workshop prior to its Sept. 4 meeting to talk about the budget, and City Administrator Dan Wietecha said some things need to be ironed out prior to presenting the plan at the next council meeting.
Wietecha said that other municipalities in Dakota County are coming in at about a 7.8 percent increase in their tax levies, the amount of money raised through local property tax payments.
“We’re looking in that range, probably a little less than that average,” he said.
State law requires a proposed property tax levy and city budget be certified by the city and sent to the county auditor by Oct. 2.
Numbers in the resolution that was on the agenda for the Sept. 4 meetings should a preliminary levy of $18,627,405 and a preliminary budget of $38,876,102.
The council vote was held because of numbers that came in for health insurance and other items.
“I think it requires us to have a better comfort with where we’re at,” said Wietecha.
The city truth in taxation public budget hearing will be held Dec. 4.
Cannabis ordinance
Prior to cannabis use being legalized by the Minnesota Legislature, the city council approved ordinances and zoning requirements for businesses wishing to sell cannabinoid products in April.
The state is currently setting up its Office of Cannabis Management which will allow licensed businesses to sell cannabis products likely in the second half of 2024.
With the new state law, the council’s Public Safety Committee will review Hastings local ordinance for updates.
Mainstreet Market
The council approved the Downtown Business Association Mainstreet Market to be held Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The market will be set up on 2nd Street East, Oliver’s Grove Park and Oliver’s Grove parking lot. The event is free and open to the public. Activities planned include vendors, games and a DJ.
Relay for Life
The council approved the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life special event Saturday, Sept. 23 from 4-9 p.m. at Levee Park.
Event organizers plan to use the Rotary Pavilion, amphitheater and other areas of Levee Park for its “Party on the River” events.
The event will include live music, a food and beer tent, luminary bags, kids’ activities and a silent auction.
Anticipated attendance is 300 people.
The American Cancer Society has held its Relay for Life at Levee Park since 2017.
Legal contract
The city council approved a three-year extension of its contract for legal services with Levander, Gillen & Miller, PA of Eagan, with attorney Korine Land handling much of the city services.
The city started using the firm in Feb. 2021, and the new contract will run through December 2026.
Under the contract, the city pays a monthly retainer to the firm of $2,250 and a base hourly rate of $160 per hour for legal services.
New superintendent visit
New Hastings School District Superintendent Dr. Tamara Champa introduced herself to the council at the start of the meeting.
“I believe strongly in city-school relationships,” she said. “I’ve been on the job 65 days meeting a lot of you. I’m anxious to be a part of the community.”
“We welcome you,” Mayor Mary Fasbender said, adding, “Go Raiders!”
