The Kalona City Council has set February 15th at 7 p.m. for a public hearing for the fiscal year 2022 budget.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says after approving the maximum property tax levy at their meeting Monday night, they can make the next move towards finalizing their budget with the public hearing, “The budget that we’re proposing to the public is a tax levy that is identical to what their current tax-asking (rate) is and that’s $10.59 per thousand (dollars) valuation and that includes our general government, includes debt service and so forth.”

Schlabaugh says the budget process was more challenging given uncertainties brought on by COVID-19, but he hopes keeping the tax rate the same will offer some normalcy to residents. In another step towards a return to normal, Schlabaugh says the council will meet at city hall for the public budget hearing and may resume regular meetings in person after conducting council meetings via Zoom for almost three months. Residents who wish to attend will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.