MENDOTA – Residents of Mendota will see an increase on their tax bill next year from the city of Mendota after the Mendota City Council passed its annual tax levy at the Dec. 4 regular meeting.

Council members approved the tax levy at an increase of slightly less than 5 percent over last year’s levy. According to alderman John Holland, that will mean an approximate increase of $72 for a $150,000 home on next year’s tax bill.

The council approved the tax levy in the amount of $1,762,111.

In other action from Holland’s report, the council approved Christmas bonuses to full-time employees in the amount of $50 in Mendota Chamber Bucks.

Alderman Jim Fitzpatrick announced that this is the final week of the city’s leaf vacuum program. Also, the city incinerator (burn pit) will close for the season on Friday, Dec. 8.

Alderman John Pierson reported on the results of a Plan Commission meeting, which was held on Nov. 30. The council approved the Plan Commission’s recommendation to change the zoning for properties owned by Gary Walzer at 401 W. Seventh Ave. and Gary Borelli at 309 W. Seventh Ave. from M to B3.

Also, the Plan Commission unanimously voted to recommend the annexation petition submitted by Joanne Miller at 2101 Guiles Ave.

Pierson added that he has had many positive comments about the city’s leaf vacuum program, that it is one the best services the city provides to its residents.

In action from alderman Randy Morris’s report, the council approved a liquor license for Milky Way Bar & Grill, formerly Tortuga’s Bar & Grill, at 716 Main St.

Alderman Bill Hunt gave a status report on the downtown camera program, saying they should be installed and operational by Jan. 1.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m.