Middleton City Council is preparing to propose an increase in monthly property taxes for residents, moving from $44 to $58, as part of their budget discussions. This adjustment is based on last year's figures and does not account for potential new growth, which remains uncertain at this time. The council emphasized that any property tax relief received will be reinvested to help manage these costs effectively.

During the meeting, council members also discussed the capacity and needs of local educational facilities. The high school currently serves 1,572 students, with plans to potentially break larger classrooms into smaller ones to accommodate more students. The academy, which has a capacity of 200, typically sees fluctuating enrollment throughout the year, ranging from 90 to 150 students.

Concerns were raised about the cost-effectiveness of renovating existing buildings versus constructing new ones. The council noted that while renovating an old building could serve around 200 students for approximately $25 million, building new facilities could accommodate up to 700 students for a similar investment. This evaluation is crucial as the council seeks to apply for state funding to support elementary education initiatives.

As the council moves forward, the proposed tax increase and discussions around educational infrastructure will be pivotal in shaping the community's future. Residents can expect further updates as these plans develop.