Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -The Rochester City Council has taken the first step in establishing a new department that will oversee planning operations.

The city and Olmsted County have shared planning operations since the 1970s.

The action taken by the council Monday sets into motion what is called a hybrid model that will have the city carry out some planning operations while continuing to work with the county on others.

It will cost $1-million to get the operation up and running next year. Included in the cost is the hiring of a Community Development Director to oversee the new department.

The council Monday also set the maximum property tax levy for next year. The $75-million figure is a 9-percent increase from the 2017 levy.

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