ELY—The Ely City Council, following the recommendation of its budget committee, voted on Tuesday to increase the city’s tax levy for next year by $114,200, a 4.9 percent increase over the current budget year. The preliminary levy can be reduced before the council sets its final levy in December, but it cannot be increased over the level set this week.
The council also adopted a recommended change in its general unassigned fund balance policy, to require a balance equal to not less than 80 percent of the next year’s budgeted expenditures. The current policy call for a 50 percent balance.
“I think this is really smart,” commented council member Adam Bisbee, in response to the decision.
Council member Al Forsman explained further on the need for the change. “If something were to happen where the Legislature were to cut LGA, like happened in 2008, we need to be able to continue, and that would cause that contingency to adapt to that disaster that happened. So, it’s good. It’s good to be able to have funds available.”
While the levy was a key piece of council business, Tuesday’s meeting began with a proclamation Mayor Heidi Omerza, who declared Oct. 10 as Remembrance Day for Sgt. James Mondati. Mondati was one of four brothers from the area who served in World War II, during which he was captured and died after the Bataan Death March as a prisoner of war. After being buried in the Philippines for many years, his body will be returned to Ely and laid to rest next to his parents on Oct. 10.
In other business, the council heard from Rep. Roger Skraba, who updated the council on legislative successes and asked the council what he could advocate for in the upcoming legislative session, assuming he retains his seat in November. During the meeting, Skraba drew attention to the $3.9 million water line project underway in Ely, as well as the completion of the Mesabi Trail and a 37-unit workforce housing development near the hospital.
Councilmember Angela Campbell was quick to respond after Skraba asked what the council needed from him next session.
“We already know what our priority is for next cycle– LGA,” Campbell said, elaborating that the city is struggling under inflationary pressures, and an increase in Local Government Aid from the state would be a boon to the city.
Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski added that the city is looking for capital funding for its ambulance garage and auxiliary fire hall project, which could get underway with a final push of IRRRB funding.
“Our contractors are waiting, ready, able. Just need that last little piece,” Langowski said.
The council also allotted the comprehensive plan steering committee $5,000 after some debate,increased the PERA Fire Benefit Level from $2,400 to $2,600, approved up to $10,000 in the 2026 budget to complete the Miners Lake Oak Planning Project, and approved continuing in-kind boiler maintenance and plowing services by the city for staff at The Hub.
In other business, the council:
• Appointed election judges for the 2026 general election.
• Approved a motion to submit a pre-application for the GA Apron Rehabilitation and Taxiway Reconstruction of the T-Hangar Taxiways.
• Heard from the Board of Adjustment about the approval of a 6-foot-high fence along 11th Ave. E.