At the most recent Kalona City Council meeting, citizens were able to attend and give input on the city’s budget during a public hearing. After the hearing the council approved the budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says the overall framework of the budget is similar to what it’s been in the past, but the biggest difference for this year is the presence of the $3.9 million bond referendum for the community center project. As a result, the city’s tax asking did increase, though Schlabaugh says the hike this year will not be indicative of coming years due to the cycle of how many months they have to pay the debt back.

The property tax levy for this year will be $12.10 per $1,000 according to Schlabaugh, which he says is still relatively low. He explains, “In comparison to other communities in the surrounding areas, in communities our size it’s probably right at that threshold. We were consistently under $10 for quite some time, but with the borrowing it did take us up to just over $12.” Schlabaugh feels confident the property tax levy will decrease next year, and promises the new community center will be worth the money. To hear more about Kalona’s recent city council meeting, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Schlabaugh at KCIIRadio.com.