The City Council of Webster City will convene a public hearing at City Hall, 400 Second Street, Webster City, at 5:45 p.m. this evening to consider the maximum property tax levy for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026.

Protocol requires the meeting be held after March 20, and before a separate hearing can be scheduled to certify the FY 2025/2026 budget.

The budget certification hearing is expected to coincide with Council’s next regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday April 21.

The proposed maximum levy, which is the combined work of City Manager John Harrenstein, City Finance Director Dodie Wolfgram, and department heads and other city staff, is 17.42%.

The levy is set with the city’s annual budget in mind, which is projected to grow from $4,801,836, the adopted fiscal year 2024/2025 budget, to $4,862,275, the proposed fiscal year 2025/2026 budget or, nominally, a $60,000 increase.

The largest budget increases will fund employee benefits, police and fire protection, and the general fund.

Inflation and increased operating costs also played a role in final recommendations from staff.

The Council will take up a regular agenda following the property tax hearing and a five-minute recess.