During a recent council meeting, members discussed the approval of several items on the consent agenda, including a light pole application from Versant Power, which was unanimously approved. The council then turned its attention to the annual tax commitment, a previously tabled item, with City Manager introducing the topic and thanking the city assessor and his team for their diligent work.

City Assessor Lewis Cousins presented an updated tax rate recommendation of 21.3 mills, a decrease from last year's rate of 22 mills. This reduction is attributed to increased property assessments and a strong growth year in 2023. The council was informed that the overlay remains at $98,000, which is considered average and is used to cover potential abatements throughout the year.

Cousins highlighted that all property categories have seen increases, with residential properties experiencing significant valuation adjustments. For example, a home valued at $150,000 in 2022 is now assessed at $184,500, resulting in a tax bill increase of approximately $734. The council noted that the increase in property values is driven by a robust real estate market, with over 300 homes sold in the past year.

The discussion also touched on the rising costs associated with county and municipal budgets, with the county's tax share increasing significantly due to various factors, including a change in their fiscal year. The council acknowledged the challenges posed by these rising costs while emphasizing the importance of driving revenue to mitigate tax burdens on residents.

Council members expressed a commitment to maintaining a lower tax rate, with discussions on how to manage expenses and revenue effectively. The consensus was that continued growth and careful budget management are essential for sustaining lower tax rates in the future. The meeting concluded with a focus on collaborative efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility while addressing community needs.