City grapples with tax increases amid community concerns

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant changes to the tax digest and the implications for local homeowners. The removal of a cancer center from the tax digest, valued at approximately $100 million, has created an unusual situation where the 2024 rollback rate results in a negative tax levy compared to the previous year. This marks a departure from the trend of rolling back taxes in 11 of the past 13 years.

City officials presented the impact of these changes on property taxes, highlighting that for an average home valued at $350,000, residents could see an annual tax difference of $73.50. This translates to about $21 for every $100,000 of assessed value, meaning a million-dollar home would incur a $210 increase.

Public comments reflected concerns about the financial strain on residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. One resident, Chris Toomey, emphasized the challenges of rising costs and urged officials to consider the impact of tax increases on those unable to raise their incomes. Another speaker echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for relief amid increasing assessments and costs.

Officials clarified that the reassessment of properties added $143 million to the tax digest, which directly influences the rollback rate. However, the removal of the cancer center's value resulted in an overall decrease in the digest, complicating the financial landscape for the city.

The discussion also touched on the budgetary pressures faced by the city, with a significant portion of expenditures related to manpower. Officials indicated that while they are exploring budget cuts, they are currently at a break-even point regarding revenue and expenses, with ongoing monitoring of expenditures.

As the meeting progressed, residents continued to voice their concerns about the cumulative effects of tax increases and the need for careful consideration of budgetary decisions moving forward.