City Briefs: Wayzata Passes Budget, Chorus Serenades Council, Contest Winners Presented

Wayzata city council members officially passed the city’s 2012 budget and tax levy Tuesday night. Just over 315 properties in Wayzata will actually see a decrease in the city portion of their 2012 property taxes. About 330 properties will see an increase of between .1 and 4.9 percent, while just over 630 land owners will see an increase between 5 and 9.9 percent. Seven properties will see an increase of 10 percent or more. 

has resulted in city taxes increasing throughout the state, even if levies remain flat. The term tax levy is used to describe the amount of property tax revenue a municipality must generate in order to operate.

Wayzata’s levy will increase by about 4.2 percent in 2012—from just over $3.5 million in 2011 to $3.7 in 2012. The city’s tax capacity, or taxable market value, dipped by about 2.8 percent year over year.

At $1.8 million, public safety is the city’s largest line item expenditure, followed by admistration at just over $1 million and streets at $630,000. 

Other notable expenditures expected during 2012 include an estimated $40,000 related to the retirement of City Manager Al Orsen, which covers recruitment of a replacement and pay out of accumulated sick and vacation time. Additionally, the city’s Park Department has budgeted an additional worker in 2012 at an estimated cost of $50,000. Another $47,000 in contingency money has been allocated for expected litigation costs.

The city’s 2012 budget and tax levy will now be sent to the Hennepin County Auditor for final approval. 

Other news:

The Wayzata Women’s Chorus serenaded city council members Tuesday night. The chorus was founded 25 years ago and took 5th place at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod of Wales back in July. More than 100 groups from around the world participated in the competition.

Jim Wessling, owner of Village Meats, was awared the Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Service Award for the fourth quarter of 2011. Wessling has owned Village Meats, located in the Wayzata Shoppes, for 11 years. He was nominated for his outstanding customer service, commitment to the community and business ethics. 

Winners of the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest were recognized by the city council on Tuesday. Winners are as follows:

• The Bookcase – Best use of materials
• Frost and Budd – Best lighting
• Lindblom Jewelers – Most elegant
• McCormick’s – Most traditional
• Wintergreen Northern Wear – Most Whimsical
• Jan’s of Wayzata – Most unique
• TCF Building - Best office building
• Kathie’s Finds – Honorable mention
• Gilded Gypsy - Honorable mention