City of Murray

Due to legislation adopted by the State of Iowa in 2023 multiple levies were eliminated and combined into a new general fund levy that is subject to limitation by State mandated formulas for municipalities. This legislation constraints assessment growth by only allowing a 2% or 3% increase each year with a maximum general levy of $8.10/1000, thus limiting services municipalities can render. The City of Murray had to make some tough decisions due to the new legislation as well as the increase in costs due to the economy.

 

We are no longer allowed to levy for the maintenance of the community center therefore beginning July 1, 2024 it will cost $100 to rent the building unless it is to be used for a Blood Drive, 4H, CCOPS or a Fundraising Group. Everyone will be required to sign a rental agreement which imposes a $100 fine if the building is not cleaned as required.

 

We also noted while completing the FY25 budget that sewer rates had not been increased since 2015. It was determined that due to inflation driving up operation and maintenance cost that rates would be raised to $10.63/1000 gallons used starting July 1, 2024. These rates will increase every July 1st by 3% for the next 5 fiscal years just as the water, stormwater, garbage and recycling. We have 4 pumps that operate our lift stations that have gone from $4,773 per unit in 2018 to over $10,000 per unit in 2024. This is just one example of the cost increase for essential items to operate our sewer system. We also need to prepare for the potential dredging of our lagoon. It has been 17 years since it has been dredged and at that time it was only a small amount. We compared our new rates with 15 other communities and we are still over $10 below the average rate of those communities.

 

The utility delinquent penalty and the reconnect fee will also be increasing starting July 1, 2024. The delinquent penalty for not paying your bill by the 23rd of the month will be $20. The reconnect fee will increase to $100 during city staff working hours and $200 outside of those hours. We now offer payment solutions using automatic withdrawal from your bank, online payment at murrayia.org or you can continue to stop by city hall or use our drop box to make payments. You can also monitor your own water usage by logging into Eye on Water. There are instructions on the city website murrayia.org as well as the city Facebook page to help you get set up.

 

Building permits are required before improvements are completed on your property. The building permit fee has increased to $50 and must be paid when the application is turned in at city hall. The council must review and approve the permits at their monthly council meeting therefore make sure that you are planning ahead for the potential time delay.

 

Spring is upon us and as we look towards the future of Murray, we will be working hard to put our best foot forward as a community. The City is requesting that properties meet the guidelines pursuant to Chapter 50, 51, 52 & 154 of the City Ordinances and the Code of Iowa section 657.1. You can find the city ordinances on our website at Ordinances | murray (murrayia.org) for your review. We will be having general cleanup days will May 8, 9 and 10, 2024 from 8 am to 3 pm.

 

City staff will be working four 10-hour days Tuesday through Friday from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. Therefore, City Hall will be open extended hours from 6am to 4pm those days.