Budget review shows property and sales taxes up compared to last year

Much of the City Council’s Aug. 17 meeting was devoted to discussion of next year’s budget items. Finance Officer Dawn Murphy provided an overview the proposed 2016 appropriations. Supplemental information was presented by Barry Maag, fire department president; Jessica Quigley, police department chief; Thad Konrad, city maintenance and utilities supervisor and Jenni White, economic development director.

Murphy reported that the city has experienced a 4.69 percent growth in property taxes, which totaled $1,438,332 under the 2015 budget and are expected to rise to $1,507,714 for FY16. The sales tax category also grew, by 26 percent, and is projected to hit at least $600,000 under the 2016 budget. Murphy added that the sales tax is likely to outperform expectations due to the newly opened hotel in town, the GrandStay Hotel & Suites.

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