DeKALB — The DeKalb City Council met Monday to discuss the city’s 2025 property tax levy, public safety funding and financial service agreements. 

To begin the meeting, Mayor Cohen Barnes issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 28 as Fall Arbor Day. Barnes encouraged all DeKalb residents to celebrate the holiday by supporting efforts to protect trees and woodlands. 

The council then reviewed the city’s 2025 property tax levy, which totals $8.98 million. 

This proposed amount will keep the city’s property tax rate steady for the coming year. The total cost of the levy will also fully fund fire and police pensions. 

The Finance Advisory Committee explained that, although the city’s property tax rate will remain unchanged, pension obligations are expected to continue rising annually.

Council members also approved a new four-year agreement with Sikich to continue providing the city’s annual financial audits. 

The council also authorized the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango police vehicle to replace a recently damaged 2021 Ford Explorer squad car. Funds for this vehicle will be pulled from the liability and property insurance fund, and the remaining balance will be drawn from the interest revenue fund.

The next DeKalb City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at the DeKalb Public Library in the Yusunas Meeting Room.