Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | December 2, 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board approved a property tax levy of approximately $3.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year, representing a 6.09% increase over the previous year’s extension. Finance Director Justin VanVooren stated the levy is designed to support public safety, infrastructure, and essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

2025 Tax Levy Key Points:

• Total Levy Amount: The board approved a corporate and special purpose property tax levy of $3,828,252.

• Percentage Increase: The amount represents a 6.09% increase over the 2024 extension of $3,608,033.

• Strategic Focus: Funds are targeted toward maintaining public safety, improving roadways, and investing in projects that enhance the quality of life in Manhattan.

• Public Hearing: A Truth in Taxation hearing was held prior to the vote, during which no members of the public offered comment.

MANHATTAN – The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, voted unanimously to approve the 2025 property tax levy ordinance for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026.

The approved levy amount is $3,828,252. According to a memo submitted by Finance Director Justin VanVooren, this figure represents a 6.09% increase over the total property taxes extended or abated for 2024, which totaled $3,608,033.

Because the proposed increase exceeded 5%, the village was required to hold a Truth in Taxation public hearing. Mayor Mike Adrieansen opened the hearing at the start of the meeting. With no residents stepping forward to speak, the hearing was closed, and the board proceeded to the vote later in the agenda.

VanVooren’s memo noted that the recommended levy reflects a focus on “maintaining public safety, improving roadways and infrastructure, and investing in projects that enhance the quality of life in Manhattan.”

In conjunction with the levy, the board also passed several ordinances abating taxes for specific general obligation bonds. These abatements direct the county clerk not to levy property taxes for certain debts because the village has sufficient funds in other accounts to make the required bond payments.

The abatements approved included:

• $3.69 million General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2016.

• $5.215 million Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021.

• $5 million General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024 (related to the new water treatment facility).

• Special Service Area (SSA) bonds for Brookstone Springs and Stonegate.

All levy and abatement ordinances were approved by a unanimous roll call vote of the trustees present.