City Council plans budget workshops addressing property tax and staff raises

During the Dickinson City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, significant discussions centered around the upcoming budget process, particularly regarding property taxes and funding allocations for essential services.

A key point raised was the consideration of the ad valorem tax rate, which is determined by an unelected board's property evaluations. A resident urged the council to support efforts to eliminate property taxes, likening them to taxing unrealized capital gains, a concept that previously faced backlash at the federal level.

City Manager Chase highlighted the general fund budget request, forecasting $8 million in sales tax revenue, which is approximately $700,000 less than last year's projections. The closure of Kroger was noted as a contributing factor, with an estimated loss of $72,000 annually. The council plans to hold multiple workshops to discuss budget requests and ensure alignment among city departments.

One pressing issue is the street maintenance fund, which has been supporting the public works department for several years. The city attorney will present options to reallocate certain expenses, allowing sales tax revenues to be directed towards street maintenance as intended.

Additionally, the council discussed potential raises for city staff, with proposals for a 3% and 6% increase being considered. The need for accurate budgeting for emergency medical services (EMS) was also emphasized, particularly concerning overtime pay and mutual aid costs.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of a disaster contingency fund, which allows for financial preparedness in the event of natural disasters. The general fund request currently shows a $400,000 surplus, but this does not include cost-of-living adjustments or disaster funding.

As the city moves forward with its budget planning, the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement will be crucial in addressing these financial challenges and ensuring effective use of taxpayer dollars.