What was intended to be a 15-minute Truth in Taxation hearing at the Carmi City Council meeting on December 17th transformed into a 45-minute appeal from citizens opposing a proposed 12% increase in the city’s property tax levy. This increase exceeds the 5% threshold that can be implemented without a hearing, necessitating the public forum.
Seven residents, including owners of two local grocery stores, voiced their concerns against the tax hike, with no one speaking in favor of it. City Attorney Greg Stewart and accountant Keith Botsch addressed questions raised during the hearing.
While the projected budgets for various city departments showed some variation, the primary factor driving the increase was a new fire protection levy of $45,500, accounting for over half of the proposed hike. Although attendees supported funding for the fire department, they urged the council to seek budget cuts elsewhere to avoid the 12% increase. Recognizing the sentiments of the community, the council unanimously voted against the proposed levy.
This past Monday, a procedural meeting was held with the city council approving a levy increase of 4.95% allowing for adjustments to the new budget based on revised revenue projections. City Accountant Botsch explained after the public hearing December 17th, the council went back and deleted the fire department levy going up about 4.95% which is the normal under 5% without a public hearing. The council levied $150,000 for the general fund, $467,958 for police pension, $91,500 for the library and $36,500 for the insurance fund. That totals of $745,958, which is basically 4.95%, what most all governments do every year.
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