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Sweetwater council adopts FY2025–26 budget and sets 2025 property tax rate
Summary
The Sweetwater City Council approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, an appropriations ordinance and a tax rate that the council said reflects increased debt service tied to recent equipment purchases.
The Sweetwater City Council on Sept. 11 approved the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget, adopted an appropriations ordinance and fixed a 2025 property tax rate that city staff said reflects recent debt issuance for equipment.
The council adopted an ordinance approving the budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and ending Sept. 30, 2026, after public hearings that drew no public speakers. Mayor (unnamed) read financial figures into the record, saying, “This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes ... by an amount of $426,062, which is a 13.65% increase from last year's budget.”
The council also approved an appropriations ordinance for the fiscal year 2025–26 and an ordinance fixing and levying a municipal tax rate for tax year 2025 at a total rate of 0.513613 (51.3613 cents) per $100 of assessed value — comprised of a maintenance and operations rate of 0.448972 and a debt service rate of 0.064641. Council members noted the adopted rate will change taxes on a $100,000 home by about -$26.85 compared with the prior calculation after a correction was read into the record.
Council Member Tim McPherson moved to approve the FY2025–26 budget; Council Member Boyle seconded. On a roll-call vote the recorded members voted in favor: Mayor Pro Tem Tim McPherson, Council Member Baker, Council Member Castro, Council Member Boyle and the mayor (unnamed). The motion carried and the ordinance was read into the record.
During discussion of the budget, a council member asked staff why property taxes were rising. Staff member Esther said the primary reason was debt issuance tied to purchases including a pump truck and an ambulance.
The council also approved an amendment to the fiscal year 2024–25 budget by motion and voice vote and read that ordinance into the record.
City Manager’s report noted recognition of first responders: the city thanked USG and Starbucks for providing food to first responders on Sept. 11, and Chief Tad Baird was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as a young citizen of the year.
The council adjourned at 9:12 a.m.
