Forest Park holds hearing on proposed 16.74-mill property tax rate

The Forest Park City Council held a public hearing Sept. 15 on a tentative 2025 millage rate of 16.74 mills that city officials said will result in a roughly 1.21% increase in property tax liability because of rising property values.

Mayor Butler said the city has tentatively adopted the 16.74 mill rate and invited residents to a final public hearing on the proposed tax increase to be held at Forest Park City Hall at 7 p.m. Sept. 15. "Even though the City of Forest Park is proposing to keep the millage rate at 16.74 mills, the increase in property values results in a property tax increase," Mayor Butler said. He added that the proposed increase would be about $8 for a home with a fair-market value of $100,000.

The hearing included a brief staff presentation and a roll call. Council members present for the special called meeting were Council member James, Councilwoman Gunn and Councilman Gutierrez; Council members Akins Wells and Myers were absent. The city allotted 10 minutes per side for public comment; no residents spoke in favor or opposition during the allotted period. The mayor closed the public hearing and adjourned the meeting.

The discussion was limited to the proposed millage rate, the impact of rising property values on tax bills, and logistics for receiving public comment. No formal vote on a final millage rate was recorded at this meeting, and council members did not take further action during the session.

The city provided the tentative figures at the hearing; residents seeking more information were referred to the city for schedule and materials related to the final rate-setting process.