Republic sets tax levy for 2022

Franklin fights Island Green road upkeep
 
Republic City Council unanimously adopted a new tax levy rate of .6158 upon each $100 of assessed valuation of real estate in Republic for 2022 in accordance with the state auditor’s recommendation.
The city has three property tax levies—general, parks and recreation, and street lighting. The general revenue fund rate is .4326; while the parks and recreation rate is .1166, leaving the street lighting rate of .0666, totaling the rate of .6158.
The 2021 levy was set at .5829, an increased difference of 0.0329 between this year and last.
The adoption came during the body’s Aug. 23 meeting.
Road work ahead
The board wasn’t quite in harmony though for a vote on microsealing city streets. An in-depth plan of attack on how to repair the many street issues in Republic was devised and presented by BUILDS Director Andrew Nelson.
Nelson told the board many factors were considered in the nuanced process including the age of the road, daily traffic, cost of repair and complaints received. Nelson further described the six different levels of road upgrade that could be applied to city streets based on their condition, and in the name of reaching or extending their 20-year life span.
Council member Eric Franklin, Ward 1, inquired why Island Green streets were listed when there were older streets that needed repair.
Nelson again explained that while the Island Green roads were obviously newer than others, a cheap, basic repair to them could eliminate further attention for decades.
Franklin either didn’t understand or agree with Nelson’s explanation, and moved to strike the Island Green repairs from the plan. Six other members of the board voted with Franklin, while longtime council member Garry Wilson, Ward 2, shooting an incredulous look,
dissented.
In other business
The council voted 8-0 to:
- Award the bid for the replacement of HVAC units at the Republic Fire Department and Republic Police Department facilities to Garrison Heating and Air. Garrison’s bid which included 20 total units, some full and some split, was the lowest submitted
at $237,959.20
- Enter into an agreement with Kenton Brothers Locksmiths for installation and integration of the Gallagher Access Control System found throughout city buildings.
- Support Harmony House’s efforts to secure ARPA funds to extend services to Republic.
- Engage in services with Stifel, Nicolaus and Company for special obligation bonds totaling $40 million for special projects from 2023-2026.