Commissioners set proposed millage, approve separate line for voter‑approved conservation levy
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Summary
Clay County commissioners set proposed maximum millage and scheduled budget hearings; they also approved a resolution to show the voter‑approved 0.2‑mill conservation levy as a separate line item on property tax notices.
On July 22 the Board of County Commissioners set proposed maximum millage levels for fiscal year 2025–26, scheduled two public budget hearings in September and adopted a resolution directing the property appraiser to display the voter‑approved conservation lands levy as a distinct line on taxpayer notices.
The board adopted staff’s recommended option for millage rates (attachment B in the staff packet). That option sets the countywide portion of the property tax roll (county services) at a proposed 5.5471 mills and includes the 0.2‑mill conservation lands program approved by voters in November 2024. The combined proposed maximum for the county taxing units totaled 8.801 mills under staff’s recommendation; commissioners were reminded that these are maximums for truth‑in‑millage (TRIM) notice purposes and can be reduced but not increased before final budget adoption.
County staff explained two required steps: (1) adopt the maximum millage rates so the property appraiser can issue TRIM notices, and (2) set the dates for the two public hearings on the tentative budget (Sept. 9 and Sept. 23, both at 5:05 p.m.). The board approved the millage schedule and the hearing dates.
In a separate vote commissioners approved a resolution asking the property appraiser to present the voter‑approved 0.2 mill for the Forests and Farms Conservation Lands Program as a separate line on the TRIM notice and tax bill. Staff said the separate line improves transparency and helps taxpayers identify proceeds dedicated to land conservation rather than being absorbed into general fund totals; the property appraiser requested the resolution to proceed with formatting and coordination with the tax collector.
Why it matters: The TRIM notices that landowners receive in August will reflect the maximum millage the board set. Showing the 0.2 mill as a dedicated conservation line is intended to honor the electorate’s clear direction and increase transparency about how tax revenue is allocated.
Ending: The board scheduled two public budget hearings (Sept. 9 and Sept. 23). Staff said the proposed millage and budget may be refined before final adoption in late September depending on state revenue adjustments and additional budget decisions.
