City Council finalizes $60M budget focusing on infrastructure and public safety

Norwalk City Council's recent meeting on April 17, 2025, highlighted significant financial updates, including a balanced budget and a stable tax rate, amidst a backdrop of growing assessed property values. The city’s total assessed value has risen to over $1.88 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year, while the taxable value stands at $848 million, approximately 45% of the assessed amount.

City officials reported a total budget across all funds of nearly $60 million, with a focus on maintaining reserves. The rollback percentage for the upcoming fiscal year is set at 47.4%, slightly up from 46% last year, while the tax rate remains unchanged at $14.88 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

Public safety continues to dominate the budget, accounting for about 47% of the general fund, which totals just under $12 million. This includes funding for police, fire, EMS, and other essential services. Notably, the budget for information technology has increased due to rising cybersecurity costs.

The council also discussed infrastructure investments, including a capital improvement plan approved earlier this month, which allocates $10.7 million for projects such as sewer trunk improvements and ADA sidewalk enhancements. Additionally, the city is set to invest approximately $6 million to buy into the Central Iowa Water Works, a strategic move aimed at pooling resources for long-term benefits.

As the city prepares for the next fiscal year, residents can expect a modest increase in their tax bills, averaging about $61 annually, or just over $5 monthly, due to the stable tax rate and slight adjustments in property valuations. The council emphasized the importance of these financial strategies in supporting community services and infrastructure development.