Belton leaders set preliminary municipal tax levies; total rate falls slightly

Belton City Council on Aug. 12 approved the first reading of an ordinance that sets municipal property tax levies for fiscal year 2026, lowering the combined rate to 2.0206 per $100 assessed valuation.

City staff told the council the final levies reflect the statutory process that compares three possible growth factors—the prior-year revenue growth, the Consumer Price Index and a 5% statutory cap—and uses the smallest of the three. Staff said the CPI this year was 2.9%, and that percentage was used to calculate levy increases.

The ordinance as presented sets the general fund levy at 0.4464 per $100 assessed valuation, the park and recreation levy at 0.1987 per $100 and the debt service levy at 1.3733 per $100, for a combined 2.0206. City staff noted the total is down from 2.0446 the prior year because assessed valuations returned slightly higher than earlier estimates, allowing the levy to be reduced.

City staff explained the public-notice process: notices go out before final assessed values are returned from the state, and a disclaimer on the notice informs the public that numbers are subject to change. Staff reiterated that the public hearing held earlier in the meeting allowed citizens to comment on proposed rates.

After a brief clarification from staff and council, the motion approving the first reading of bill 2025-43 (levies for park fund and debt service) passed on vote; council members voiced “aye” and no opposition was recorded at the council vote on the first reading.

Ending: Staff said final levy numbers could still be adjusted before adoption if final valuations dictate changes; the council completed the first-reading vote and will complete subsequent readings as required.