Explained
The purpose of the proposed property tax increase is two-fold, Chief Financial Officer Kevin Klosterboer said. It will fund new police officer and firefighter positions, as well as pay debt service on the 2023 voter-approved general obligation bonds.
Represented by a $7.88 per month increase from the last fiscal year for the median homeowner, the additional revenue will:
- Add 17 public safety positions
- Contribute over $4 million in road maintenance
- Pay debt service on bonds funding the Old Settlers Park buildout
Mayor Craig Morgan called the fiscal year 2025-26 plan a “slim budget” with “one of the lowest” tax rates in the area. Although the rate lands above no-new-revenue, Morgan said the increase is “a necessary evil.”
“If you don’t want police and fire and you don’t want parks, then cut your property tax all the way where there’s none,” he said at an Aug. 12 agenda packet briefing. “But, someone’s got to pay for that. It’s not free.”
What’s next
The city will set the maximum tax rate at its meeting Aug. 14, as well as hold a public hearing. City Council will hear the first reading of the tax rate and budget Aug. 28, with a final adoption scheduled for Sept. 11.
Residents can view the full budget presentation from July 24 here.
