Cloquet proposed tax levy balloons

The city of Cloquet is looking at a property tax levy increase of at least 11.23 percent for 2025, or nearly $398,000 more than last year, city administrator Tim Peterson told councilors Tuesday.

Peterson said the 11-percent rise is a decrease from the original budget estimate, which would have required a 20-percent levy increase.

"The No. 1 difference is wages," he said.

Wages make up just over $6 million of the entire general fund budget of $9.5 million, Peterson said. The total wage increases for next year are $460,000 and the proposed levy increase is $397,000.

There was no vote Tuesday. C...