In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of rising property assessments and the upcoming preliminary tax levy. The conversation highlighted a significant increase in the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) across the tax district, which rose by 13.9%. This increase is attributed to a substantial influx of new properties, particularly in an enterprise zone, with an estimated $20 million in industrial new property expected to contribute to the tax base.

Officials noted that while the overall levy may increase by 6% or 7% due to this new property, current taxpayers will only see a maximum increase of 3.4%, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap. This discrepancy raises concerns about how the new properties will be assessed and how the levy will be structured to ensure fair taxation.

The discussion emphasized the importance of educating the public about the differences between the levy percentage and the total dollar amount. Officials acknowledged that residents often focus on the total levy amount, which may not reflect the actual tax increase they will experience. As the October meeting approaches, officials are tasked with clarifying these points to ensure transparency and understanding among taxpayers regarding the upcoming changes in their tax bills.