The Worthington City Council on Monday is scheduled to vote on resolutions approving the tax levies collectible in 2024.
In September of this year, council members approved a proposed property tax levy of $7,739,156 for 2024. That’s a total that represents an 18.0% increase over 2023. City staff has recommended to the council that it approve on Monday a final levy in the amount of $7,256,629, a total that represents a 10.64% increase over 2023. The levy includes a General Purpose Tax Levy of $6,219,484 and Special Tax Levies of $1,037,145; the Special Tax Levy includes Economic Development Tax abatements of $51,000.
Also slated to be considered Monday is the Housing and Redevelopment Authority's proposed levy of $186,000, the same amount as pre-certified by the council in September.
The agenda for Monday’s city council meeting includes multiple administrative items, as well as a public safety-related consideration that requests the reinstatement of the Deputy Chief position within the police department. That position would replace the Captain position and is intended to better represents the responsibilities of the individual that serves as the second in command of the WPD.
Additionally, council members are scheduled to take action on its annual contract with the Worthington Area YMCA to promote, manage, and operate the city’s summer youth recreation programs for its residents. The new agreement would begin this coming Jan. 1 and terminate at the end of the year. The management fee to be paid by the city to the YMCA for 2024 would be $64,500, a 5% increase over 2023, to be paid in 12 monthly installments.
Council members will also consider a recommendation from the city’s Park Advisory Board to increase fees at the city’s Water World Aquatic Center by 3% for all season passes and add additional rental rates for certain functions. The council is also asked to consider a recommendation that there may no changes in 2024 to the city’s park user fees, as well as several changes to Olson Park campground fees.
