(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council conducted public hearings concerning budget items when they met September 14.  No one spoke during the hearings.

The final property tax levy was set at 71.12 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  City Clerk Tammy Curtis noted Pawnee City has a 5-cent addition to the levy due to an interlocal agreement with the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department. 

The Pawnee City levy also includes money for the street improvement project approved by voters. 

Curtis noted the City property valuation went up five percent,  the property tax rate went down four percent and the operating budget is 12 percent lower for the next year. 

The Council also awarded a bid for the city audit for the next three years.  The Julie Bauman CPA firm of Falls City was the only company to submit a bid.  The cost will be $11,200 for the first year,  $11,500 for year two and $11,700 for the third year of the contract.