By Brenda Erdahl
The Maple Lake City Council closed out 2023 by approving the final draft of the 2024 tax levy and budget.
Cities are required to complete and submit a final budget and levy for the upcoming year to the state by the end of December, and on Tuesday, Dec. 19, after months of work councilors officially approved a 5% levy increase.
Having the biggest impact on the levy was the recent street projects and the increased cost for law enforcement services with the Wright County Sheriff’s office, councilors said.
“I think we did a really good job of not sacrificing safety and our streets are better,” Councilor Lori Hausken commented.Councilors also heard from Maple Lake Boy Scout Brolin Chlan who would like to build a Gaga Ball court in the Community Park for his Eagle Scout project.