Tuesday, the Becker City Council held the annual Truth in Taxation meeting. The Truth in Taxation meeting is required by law, and allows citizens to learn about their city taxes and air their comments and concerns.

Finance Director Mark Ebensteiner presented the 2024 budget and tax levy. 

The levy for 2024 increased 3.41% over last year, from approximately $4.56 million to $4.65 million. 

No one spoke during the public hearing.

The full Truth in Taxation meeting is recorded and available to view on the city website. Questions about city taxes can be addressed to Ebensteiner, and property value questions should be directed to the Sherburne County Assessor.

Encroachment Agreement for Kwik Trip

The city recently received plans for a new Kwik Trip location. The council was made aware of a couple of issues with the plans, and asked to approve an encroachment agreement to help solve some of the issues.

Fire Department

The Fire Department building located on Bank St. has been owned, since its construction, exclusively by the city. The fire department as an entity, however, is owned by both Becker City and Becker Township. The city council approved changing the official ownership of the building to the BFD. The city holds equal share of the department, and therefore the building, with the township after this decision. Staff suggested the change to keep auditing for the department and the city simpler.

Remembrance Tree

The city has an annual tradition of erecting a Remembrance Tree. Residents of Becker are encouraged to visit the tree and write the name of a late loved one on an ornament to put on the tree. 

The tree usually sits in front of City Hall, but this year it will be at the Becker Community Center.

In Other Business, the Council:

• Rezoned 295 acres of property owned by Xcel Energy to Industrial 3 (formerly agricultural);

• Called for a public hearing to vacate an old, unused road;

• Called for a public hearing to adopt the city fee schedule, which is done annually.