The Albert Lea City Council will have a public hearing Monday about the preliminary 2015 budget and property tax levy.

The proposed total levy is about $6 million, which equates to a 3 percent overall increase, said Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams. One percent of the increase goes toward the general fund, which supports inflationary increases in personnel costs, while the other 2 percent covers the increase in the debt levy. The debt levy covers street improvement projects in the north industrial park, the neighborhood improvement project in the 3rd Ward and some equipment upgrades.

At this point the budget does not include an expansion in the hours of the Albert Lea Public Library, but city leaders will continue to study that request during the fall.

Adams said if the proposed levy is approved, it would increase taxes on a $100,000 home by $21 a year.

He said which infrastructure projects will be completed in 2015 has yet to be finalized. The council will vote on the final budget and levy in December.

At that time they may choose to lower the levy, but they cannot raise it higher than the proposed levy.

Adams said he will give a presentation about the budget at the Monday meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. He encouraged people to contact their councilors with input or to come and speak at the meeting.

The council will also consider a preliminary vote in the tax levy for the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority.