Heath council adopts FY2025–26 budget, sets tax rate at $0.27565 and approves fee, contract and budget amendments

The Heath City Council on Sept. 23 adopted the city’s fiscal 2025–26 budget, set the property tax rate at $0.27565 per $100 of taxable value and approved several related ordinances, a culvert contract and a budget amendment to fund Water Well No. 1 and license‑plate cameras.

City Manager Steve Alexander presented the budget and related financial options and told the council the staff recommendation was to split the planned water debt into two issues (option 2) rather than issue the full amount at once. Council approved that option; the ordinance adopting the budget (No. 250,923 A, option 2) passed on a recorded vote. Mayor Jeremiah McClure, Mayor Pro Tem Scott Dodson, Council members Cindy Horn, Johnny Myers, Michelle Thurgood and Mitch Olby voted in favor; Council member Ryan Mormon recorded the lone vote against the budget ordinance.

At a separate vote the council adopted the property tax ordinance (No. 250,923 B) setting the voter-approval rate at $0.27565 per $100 of taxable valuation. The council also adopted a resolution (No. 250,923 A) ratifying that increase as required by state law. City staff and the mayor clarified the tax rate is lower than last year’s rate (29.0311¢ to 27.565¢), but rising property values mean the calculation is an “effective” tax increase under state rules; that statutory phrasing requires a ratification.

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