Liberty Council adopts 2025 millage at full rollback of 3.082 mills

The Liberty City Council voted Aug. 12 to set the 2025 property tax millage at the full rollback rate of 3.082 mills. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote after a presentation from city staff. City Finance staff told the council the tax digest grew by 2.11% for 2025 and that at a 3.082-mill rate the city would meet its 2025 property-tax budget of $7,450,000. ‘‘We are recommending adoption of the ordinance setting the millage rate at the full rollback rate of 3.082 mils,’’ the presenter said during the meeting. Council members were given historical context: staff reported the average digest growth over the previous 10 years was about 8.9% and that the smaller increase this year stemmed in part from provisions in a recent state law that carried over homestead assessed values from 2024 to 2025. Staff said property taxes make up just over 19% of the city’s general fund. During the discussion, a council member moved to adopt the rollback rate and a second was recorded; the council then voted by voice and the motion carried. No recorded roll-call tally was entered into the meeting transcript. The council’s presenter noted the body has taken the full rollback rate six of the last seven years and 11 of the last 14 years. The ordinance adopted is the city’s formal setting of its millage for tax bills issued in 2025; staff said the revenue estimate tied to that millage is $7,450,000 for property taxes.