Thursday, July 11, 2013

2014 Budget - Tax Increase Seems Certain

7/11/13

Monday night's council work session was about the 2014 budget. Staff presented some of the slides used in the March "retreat" which show the City's reserves being spent down if taxes aren't increased, spending isn't reduced or, both.

Council members asked for staff to look at places for reductions, but seemed resigned to a tax increase. Also discussed were additional fees for sewer, storm sewer and recycling.

Staff seems to be proposing a 2% general tax levy increase although, up to a 3% incfrease could be possible under current levy limits. Fees for the other services will be reviewed in a rate study coming in the next month or so.

The fee rates and the tax levy haven't been increased for at least four years. It'll be fascinating to watch those council members who've been ready to spend millions on things like trails have to come to grips with making residents pay more taxes and fees so spending can keep going.

Watch the work session at: http://lmcc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=487155b3-3ad7-1031-bc96-29b50f2ba9d1  and the budget item at the end of the list.

Happy Reading!
The Insider

No comments:

Post a Comment