Fort Scott commission adopts 2025 budget, keeps mill levy flat at 44.208

The Fort Scott City Commission voted Sept. 3 to adopt the 2025 city budget and approved a companion resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, setting the city mill levy at 44.208.

The action followed a public hearing on the proposed budget and a separate hearing on the resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. Commissioners acknowledged pressure from residents for lower taxes but said staff projected rising personnel costs and several capital and infrastructure projects that require continued funding.

City staff presented the budget and noted personnel costs (wages and health care) were increasing about 12% overall, with health-care costs rising roughly 13%. Nonpersonnel costs were projected to rise 3%–4%. The commission and staff also discussed a number of capital items in the proposed plan, including street and drainage work, water and sewer infrastructure projects, equipment replacements and investments for public safety and parks.

During discussion, some commissioners pushed for trimming the levy and pointed to a previously shared draft that showed a modest projected surplus; others said the city still needed the revenue to maintain services, continue street work and fund planned projects. The vote to approve the resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and to adopt the budget passed on roll call; votes were recorded individually.

Mayor and commissioners reminded residents the property tax picture is influenced both by mill levies and by property valuations; commissioners said staying at the adopted levy will allow the city to move forward with planned infrastructure and service priorities.

The commission left open the usual avenues for residents to review budget documents and to raise concerns in future meetings.

The commission will publish the adopted budget as required by state law and proceed with the fiscal year plan as approved.