The Austin City Council will vote on a resolution to establish a proposed tax levy and proposed budget for taxes payable in 2018 during its next regular meeting on Monday.

The proposed city budget for 2019 is $35,145,175. The proposed tax levy for 2019 is $6,873,000, an increase of 932,000, or 15.7 percent from 2018. Under Minnesota law, the council is required to certify a proposed tax levy to the county auditor no later than Sept. 30. After that, the council can decrease the tax levy, but may not increase it.

The council will also vote on setting the Truth in Taxation hearing date for Tuesday, Dec. 4.

The Truth in Taxation hearing outlines the specifics of the budget and tax levy and is open to the public.

The council will review a proposed “special vehicle” ordinance submitted by the Austin Police Department. The ordinance would prohibit the use of utility task vehicles (UTVs) on streets, alleys, sidewalks and other public property without a permit. Permits would have to renewed every year and can only be obtained with a valid Minnesota driver’s license and evidence of insurance. The ordinance only allows for UTVs to be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset and requires them to be equipped with rearview mirrors.

Motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (that are not UTVs as defined in the ordinance and under Minnesota State statute) and mini-trucks are not permitted on streets, alleys, sidewalks or public property in Austin.

The council’s next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, in the Council Chambers, located in the basement of City Hall. There will be no work session following the meeting.

For a complete agenda, visit www.ci.austin.mn.us/Council/City%20Council%20Agenda.pdf.