The rate is a 7.2% increase from the no-new-revenue rate and will help fund public safety positions as well as bond projects.
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 and Fire Station 11
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.”
“I’ll challenge anyone to tell me what they get more for $7.88, not to mention all the prior services,” Morgan said.
What’s next
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.
