NEW ULM — The New Ulm Ulm City Council will establish the preliminary budget for 2021, Tuesday.

The city will consider $21.8 million in appropriations and a maximum property tax levy of $8.3 million. This is a 4% increase from 2020.

The preliminary budget sets the maximum tax levy for next year. The levy can be lowered before the end of the year, but cannot be increased.

New Ulm Police

Request Riot Gear

The New Ulm Police is requesting the city to allow the purchase of riot gear and tasers in anticipation of nationwide social unrest.

The state anticipates local law enforcement to deal with social unrest, likely connected to upcoming November elections and court hearings of officers criminally charged with violent crimes.

According to the request, other local agencies, including the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, have needed to order similar equipment to enable law enforcement to safely provide public safety.

The request calls for first responder kits with gas masks for 23 officers, civil disturbance riot scene kits for 23 officers and 12 tasers with accessories. The cost is estimated at $47,291.60. The equipment was not budgeted in 2020, but the police budget has ample funds due to unfilled vacancies associated with COVID delays in hiring.

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The council will consider accepting the proposal from North Star Aviation, Inc., for fixed base operator (FBO) services.

The city has advertised for fixed base operator services at the New Ulm Municipal Airport since March. New Ulm Flight Services, LLC, terminated their FBO lease and agreement on May 29.

The New Ulm Municipal Airport has been operating without an FBO provider since that time.

The staff has met with North Star Aviation, Inc., personnel on several occasions to give tours of the airport grounds and facilities along with a discussion about the operation expectations of a new FBO. North Star Aviation, Inc., submitted their proposal on Sept. 4. It is the only proposal the city has received for FBO at the New Ulm Municipal Airport.

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A public hearing will be held on a noise variance for Lamplighter Sports Bar & Grill. Lamplighter is requesting a noise variance for amplified music on the two Oktoberfest weekends. The times including in the variances are from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2; Saturday, Oct. 3; Friday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10.

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The city will consider allocating five-six parking stalls in the municipal lot for the installation of an electric vehicle fast-charging station. This cost of installation will be covered by Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Funds.