Albia council approves maximum levy after public hearing with no comments

The Albia City Council approved a maximum property tax levy Tuesday after a public hearing that drew no written or oral comments, Mayor Richard Clark said.

Scott Kelly moved to open the public hearing on the maximum levy; Brandon Williams seconded and the motion carried 5-0. After the clerk reported she had received no comments in advance, Dennis Conley moved to close the hearing; Kelly seconded and that motion also carried 5-0. Merle Regenold then moved to approve the maximum-levy resolution; Dennis Conley seconded. The council voted in favor with Kathy Mobley, Dennis Conley, Leslie Hill, Merle Regenold, Scott Kelly and Brandon Williams voting aye and none opposed.

The vote sets the maximum levy the city may adopt under state levy rules; the council did not record any public input during the hearing. The City Clerk noted no written comments had been received prior to the meeting.

The council’s approval is a procedural step that establishes the maximum tax rate the city may impose; the formal taxing rate for the fiscal year will be set later in the budget process. City Clerk Linda Heller said the council will hold a budget workshop at the next meeting to continue fiscal planning.