Rush Valley council adopts 2025–26 budget, sets tax levy at 0.000669

The Rush Valley Town Council on June 18 adopted the town’s final 2025–26 fiscal-year budget and set the town tax levy at 0.000669, which the clerk said will produce approximately $35,192 in revenue.

The budget vote followed a public hearing on the final budget. Town staff told councilors they updated the tentative budget to reflect public comments and year-end numbers. The packet shows several line-item changes: a Class C road fund allotment listed at $85,000 in revenues; an entry showing donations and town support for the Clover Church totaling about $26,001.75 (the packet lists $16,001.75 in donations plus a $10,000 town contribution allocated under “grants”); a fire department budget shown at $65,000 and a fire truck lease listed on the second page as $88,000; and two anticipated grants itemized at $15,000.

Council members also reviewed an apparent revenue surplus. Staff reported an excess of $37,668 (revenue over expenditures) in the packet and said the council can decide how to allocate that amount in the new fiscal year.

Why it matters: The adopted tax levy and budget determine the town’s spending authority, staffing and capital projects for the coming year. The council noted limited authority to raise the levy without additional public hearings under truth-in-taxation processes.

Key details from the meeting packet and council discussion include: - Tax levy: 0.000669, producing roughly $35,192 (town clerk’s figure presented at the meeting). - Comparison with prior year: council staff said the prior year’s rate was about 0.000685, which produced roughly $34,009.28. - Noted line items presented in the packet: Class C roads revenue $85,000; Clover Church donations $16,001.75 and town contribution $10,000; fire department operating budget $65,000; fire truck lease shown as $88,000 on the budget packet’s second page; two future grants listed totaling $15,000; and an excess fund balance of $37,668.

Council vote: The resolution adopting the 2025–26 final budget and setting the levy passed on a roll call. Council Member Albrecht voted yes; Council Member Burrows voted yes; Council Member Gardner voted yes. Council Member Harding was absent.

Councilors said the town will decide allocations for the surplus during the coming year. Staff also noted that increases to the tax rate would require separate truth-in-taxation procedures, and that only certain local taxing entities (e.g., school boards and the county) can follow different timetables.

The council recorded the adoption resolution and signed the document at the meeting; the resolution was dated June 18, 2025.

The town will publish the final budget and related materials per local requirements and proceed with next fiscal-year implementation.