HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council has approved publishing the budget for 2013 with a slight mill levy increase. The 2013 budget has a mill levy assessment of 62.969, which is an increase of 1.534 mills.
The current mill levy for 2012 is 61.435.
For a home valued at $75,000, this will result in a tax increase of $13.23. One mill is one dollar per $1,000 dollars of assessed value.
Unlike some communities in the area, Hoisington’s valuation went up just 116,406 for 2013 with a valuation of 9,195,807. The valuation for 2012 was 9,079,401, resulting in a difference of 1 percent.
“With revenues flat, we’re trying to cut things to make it work,” said City Manager Jonathan Mitchell.
Mitchell noted that  in 2007, the city had 41 employees. They currently have 31 employees. He said that the city is continuing to look for ways to cut costs.
A study of the city’s electric utility is being performed by an outside consultant and a Task Force has been formed.
The city will hold a budget hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, at the council’s regular twice-monthly meeting.
At the special meeting on Monday, the council accepted the resignation of Michelle Maze, director of Emergency Medical Services. On Aug. 15, she will begin a job in Beloit.
Mitchell said, “She did a great job for us. She’s really an asset.”
In final business, the council rejected a motion from Mayor Clayton Williamson for the Board of Zoning Appeals. The nomination of Micah Ehler was rejected on a motion by Mike Alyward.