Council Member Sam Hanson was absent for the Big Lake City Council meeting held on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
During the meeting, a public input hearing was held for the upcoming 2025 Budget/Levy (Truth in Taxation). No one appeared before the council to provide public comments. The final levy and budget will be presented for approval and certification at the upcoming Dec. 11, 2024 city council meeting.
Deb Wegeleben presented details to the Council. Preparations for the 2025 General Fund Budget began in June of this year. It was determined that the city would need approx. $7.4 million for the General Fund. When non-property tax revenues and various state aids are subtracted, the proposed final tax levy will be approx. $5.9 million, an increase of 4.98%.
The city’s tax levy is only 32% of total property taxes. Thirty percent goes toward Sherburne County taxes, and the remaining 38% for the Big Lake School District.
A Truth in Taxation hearing for Sherburne County was held Dec. 5 and the School Board will hold their meeting on Dec. 19. Wegeleben stated that it is the County Assessors Office that determines the value of each property and can be contacted if anyone has questions about the value of their home.
Potential City Hall Development
A second public hearing was held to approve the preliminary and final plat of the Smith Addition located at the intersection of Minnesota Ave and CR 43. The Big Lake Economic Development Authority and Steven Smith entered into a purchase agreement for BLEDA to purchase five acres out of the almost 50-acre parcel for a potential location for city hall. Because the plat is classified as a simple subdivision, platting can go straight to the city council for approval.
Outlet A will consist of 17.57 acres for future high density residential development and the remaining 21.21 acres (Outlet B) for future business development. No public comments were given. Both the preliminary plat and final plat resolutions were passed.
Winter Farmer’s Market and Santa
Streets, Parks, and Fleet Superintendent Norm Michels highlighted current happenings in the city.
The Winter Farmer’s Market opened on Nov. 23 at Big Lake City Hall. 145 people attended. Future occurrences of the Winter Farmer’s Market will be held on the third Saturday of the month through April from 10 a.m. - 1p.m. Free photos with Santa will be available on Dec. 21.
The deadline to register for the 2024 Holiday Lighting Contest is Dec. 9. Registration forms can be picked up at city hall or can be found on the city’s website. First place winner will receive a $50 gift card to Lake Liquors. Area residents can vote for their favorite lighting display online between Dec. 10 - 15 and winners will be announced on Dec. 16 on the city’s Facebook page.
