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Hello Chanhassen Residents,
On Monday night, the City Council approved our preliminary (maximum) levy with an increase of 7.2% for 2023. Over the next few meetings, the City Council and staff will continue to refine the numbers before setting the final levy on December 12, 2022.
Increase
Key Changes:
- The Carver County Sheriff’s Office contract increased 10% or $163,592 from 2022.
- Addition of three full-time Fire Captains. The Chanhassen Fire Department will be moving to a new level of service to provide 24/7 staffing at Station 1. In this model, an engine can be en route to a call in two minutes, improving overall response times and reliability in all areas of Chanhassen.
- Includes $90,000 for the replacement of streetlights and associated infrastructure.
- Annual increase in funding levels for transportation/routine road maintenance, pavement management/street reconstruction, trail maintenance, and capital equipment.
- Hourly wage increase needed to attract seasonal employees in parks and public works.
- Preliminary levy includes $250,000 to fund Park Renovation Fund. In years past, this annual amount has been paid for with fund balance. The City Council will be considering this expenditure in the coming months.
Impact
Investment
We recognize the economic hardships many are facing in today’s economy and levy increases are not taken lightly by City Council. Financial sustainability remains a strategic priority. It is why we work hard to balance the need to continue to invest in our city services with the financial impact our decisions have on our residents and businesses. And while the City of Chanhassen remains at the low end for levy increases to our comparable cities, the City Council is committed to working to refine the levy between now and December. There is still more work to do.
For a more detailed review of the budget, please follow this link to the PowerPoint from Monday night. With questions or comments, please email me eryan@chanhassenmn.gov.
Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan
Mayor of Chanhassen
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