HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.07.2025_Council_Special_Session_MinutesDocusign Envelope ID: 5B24A265-D40D-4FF2-965A-97E62160AF64
April 7, 2025
The City Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Special Session at Harold E. Getty
Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 4:30 PM, on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Roll Call.
Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Ray Feuss in the Chair. Mr. Boesen, Mr. Nichols, Ms.
Creighton -Smith and Mr. Simon. Mr. Chiles arrived at 4:44pm and Ms. Wilder arrived at 4:47
p.m. Mayor Hart joined via Zoom.
Approval of Agenda as proposed or amended.
Creighton-Smith/Nichols
that the agenda as proposed be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
FY 2026 Property tax levy hearing.
Nichols/Creighton-Smith
to receive and file proof of publication of notice of public hearing. Voice vote -Ayes: Five. Motion
carried.
This being the time and place of the public hearing, the Mayor Pro Tem called for written and
oral comments.
Bridgett Wood, Finance Director, provided an overview of the levy rates, sharing that they
amount to approximately $11 per year for a $100,000.00 home.
David Sturtch, 534 Glencoe Avenue, commented that he came to speak on behalf of MET
Transit. He thanked the city for their support to help fund their operations for this year.
Carol Gustafson, 819 Denver Street, shared that the information that was mailed out to the
public was inaccurate. She shared that she expects the city to do a better job making sure that
the taxpayers get the correct information so they understand what is going on. She commented
that people would have preferred to see a white board with the information outlined to
accompany the Finance Director's comments.
Mayor Hart asked the Finance Director to talk about the new budget tool that was added this
year.
Bridgett Wood shared that the city has added a budget simulator and how it works. Citizens
can see where the city is budgeting all the various revenues and can submit suggestions for
revenue and expenditures.
David Sullivan, 814 Randolph Street, commented that he doesn't understand how the city and
schools can keep increasing property taxes.
Andrew Gustafson, 225 Gayle Street, commented that when he first bought his house the
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Docusign Envelope ID: 5B24A265-D40D-4FF2-965A-97E62160AF64
payment was $800 per month, and now it is possibly going to be over $1500.
Carrie Morrison, 2141 Avon Avenue, commented that there are a lot of people in our community
that cannot read English, and that the city needs to find a way to reach everybody in the
community. She commented that with inflation and taxes, she is not going to be able to live
here as a single person.
Cheryl Christiansen, 1702 E. Mitchell Avenue, commented that there are new people going into
the workforce, so there is no reason to increase property taxes.
Ben Schwartz, 595 Sunset Road, commented that every time taxes go up it affects the poor. He
shared that as a landlord he will be raising rent because of the higher taxes and that,
effectively, the renters are the ones who are paying the increase in taxes. He commented that
Waterloo has one of the highest property tax rates in the entire state and urged the city to find
funding somewhere else.
Candice Wolf, 222 Borland Avenue, agrees with the previous speaker.
Andrew Kessler, 1000 Bishop Avenue, commented that he would like to better understand
where the taxes are going. He commented that roads are junk, buildings are vacant, and it
seems like a lot of businesses are leaving.
Nichols/Simon
to close the hearing and receive and file oral comments. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Nichols/Creighton-Smith
that the council adjourn at 4:52 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
rI`DocuSigned by: o' ODe
KeiieyEreicnle
City Clerk
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