Oakland aldermen keep property tax rate at 0.6342 on first reading
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Summary
Board accepted the first reading of Ordinance 2506 establishing the municipal property tax levy for FY2026 and set a public hearing date; town manager recommended keeping the current rate of 0.6342 despite a lower county certified rate.
The Oakland Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of Ordinance 2506 to establish the municipal property tax levy for fiscal year 2026 and set a public hearing date in June.
Town Manager Mister Ellis explained that Fayette County completed reassessments and the assessor recommended a certified rate of 0.4552. Ellis recommended the town leave its property tax rate at the current 0.6342; he acknowledged that maintaining the existing rate will result in a property-tax increase for some taxpayers because assessed values rose.
Ellis and board members discussed priorities for any increased revenue, including public-safety salaries, advancing design work for Fire Station No. 2 and adding public-works staff. Vice Mayor Cates and other members said they support dedicating revenue to first responders and critical infrastructure. On a motion, the board passed the reading on the town manager's recommendation.
