The Starbuck City Council held a special meeting on Monday, November 18, to discuss the proposed 2025 budget. The council ultimately reduced the tax levy from 10% to 8.75%.

Budget Highlights 

and Expenditures

City Clerk Joan Kerkvliet outlined key proposed budget changes for 2025, including a potential $150,000 allocation under the park fund for pickleball courts and a projected $380,000 for water and sewer extensions to support possible new housing in the city’s northwest section. However, Kerkvliet clarified that the water and sewer project is not included in the proposed budget, as further updates on the project have yet to be received.

Additional expenditures include:

•Road paving at Hobo Park which is to be funded by Hobo Park’s budget.

•An annual $30,000 payment for a new payloader.

•An increase in city employee salaries following the settlement of the employee contract. Employee salaries for 2025 are set at $587,722—excluding insurance and benefits—marking a 23% increase from 2023.

Mayor Gary Swenson inquired about reserve funds. Kerkvliet noted that the city will begin 2025 with an opening balance of $1.9 million.

Police Contract and Hobo Park Rates

The council closed part of the session to discuss the police department’s contract. Upon reopening, they announced an agreement had been reached but withheld financial details, as the police department still needed to sign the contract.

To generate additional revenue, Council Member Dane Christensen proposed a 10% increase in Hobo Park rates, stating, “This puts us at a more competitive rate with Beachside RV, yet we remain less.” Council Member Mary Baukol supported the suggestion, noting that the increase would raise the seasonal rate from $2,400 to $2,640.

Tax Levy Debate

Earlier in the fall, the council had set a proposed 10% levy increase, raising property taxes in Starbuck from $739,774 in 2024 to $839,112 in 2025. After further budget review, Baukol motioned to reduce the levy increase to 8.75%.

Christensen voiced concerns, stating, “10% is a fair number. I am taxing myself at that rate. Everything the city pays for is more expensive. Dropping it to 8.75% is fine, but I don’t think 10% is unreasonable.” Council Member Chris Taffe agreed while Steve Gorder proposed a 9% compromise.

Swenson ultimately supported Baukol’s motion, saying, “Well, I think we will see how this year goes, and I will second the motion for 8.75%.” The council approved the 8.75% levy with a roll call vote of 3–2, with Taffe, Baukol, and Swenson in favor and Christensen and Gorder opposed.

Other Discussions

The council addressed the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract, citing concerns over discrepancies in the salary structure. The contract from the Minnewaska School District does not account for projected increases in police department salaries over the next three years, potentially leaving the city responsible for covering the difference. Taffe and Swenson plan to meet with school officials to resolve the issue.

The council also unanimously approved a revised cannabis ordinance, delegating authority for cannabis retail registration to the county.

Next meeting set

The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Starbuck Community Center.