The Fort Dodge city government property tax rate is projected to increase in the next fiscal year under a proposal to come before the City Council tonight.

The proposed levy for the 2021-2022 fiscal year is $20.43 per $1,000 of taxable value.

That’s up from the current levy of $20.17 per $1,000 of taxable value.

However, the proposed levy remains consistent with some recent fiscal history in the city. In 2019-2020, the rate was also $20.43, while in 2018-2019 it was $20.42.

The city’s property tax levy is divided up to provide revenue for specific purposes. The levy breaks down as follows:

• $8.10 for the general fund, which pays for police and fire protection, parks and recreation, library, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum and other government functions.

• $6.12 for employee benefits.

• $4.36 to pay off general obligation bond debt.

• 61 cents for emergency management and 911 dispatching.

• 46 cents to pay for property and liability insurance.

• 34 cents to support Dodger Area Rapid Transit.

• 27 cents in an emergency levy to help balance the general fund.

• 12 cents for Citizens Central.

• 5 cents for the Karl L. King Municipal Band.

The proposed levy is for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2022.

The council will receive the tax information when it meets for a budget workshop at 5 p.m. today.

To observe the meeting, go to zoom.us and enter webinar ID number 816 045 072 and passcode 948411.

To listen to the meeting by phone, dial (312) 626-6799 and enter the same webinar ID number and passcode.