Concerns over rising taxes and budgetary pressures dominated the New Prague City Council meeting on December 2, 2024, as council members and residents voiced their apprehensions about the city's financial future. The discussion highlighted a staggering $1 million increase in the city levy over the past five years, prompting calls for more prudent fiscal management.

One council member expressed deep concern about the implications of the proposed budget, particularly the anticipated 8% increase earmarked for a new police station over the next two decades. "This Board's going to have to make some very tough decisions," they stated, emphasizing the need for a more sustainable approach to spending.

Residents echoed these sentiments during the public hearing segment of the meeting. Gary Morrison, a local property owner, raised alarms over a 21.5% tax increase on his non-homesteaded properties, questioning the fairness of the tax structure compared to homesteaded properties. "I think I'm getting discriminated against as a non-homestead property," he argued, highlighting the disparity in tax burdens that renters and non-homesteaded property owners face.

Another resident, Brian Paulson, shared his frustration over a 47% increase in his home's taxable market value over four years, despite no significant improvements to the property. He criticized the city for not adequately addressing the rising costs of living and the impact on residents' financial well-being.

The council clarified that while they set the levy, property valuations and tax rates are influenced by state laws and county assessments. However, the growing discontent among residents suggests a pressing need for the council to reassess its financial strategies and engage more transparently with the community about tax implications.

As the council prepares for the formal approval of the budget in the coming weeks, the discussions from this meeting underscore a critical juncture for New Prague's fiscal policy, with residents urging for a more equitable and sustainable approach to taxation and city spending.