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Woodstock staff outline options for a reduced 2025 millage rate after stronger‑than‑expected digest growth
Summary
Property tax staff reported higher net new construction value growth (5.03%) and presented a rollback rate of 5.093 M&O mils for FY26; staff said lowering to about 5.065 mils would still cover needs and leave an estimated cushion for appeals and new personnel grant contingencies.
City property tax staff delivered the 2025 tax digest and millage analysis to council on Aug. 18, showing stronger‑than‑budgeted growth and room to reduce the maintenance and operations rate.
Ron Shelby, speaking as the property tax collector, said new construction growth was 6.69% this year with exemption growth of 1.66%, producing net new construction value growth of 5.03%. He presented a calculated rollback M&O rate of 5.093 mils for FY26 and showed examples of the household impact: at a $375,000 non‑homesteaded home the cost at rollback would be about $764; an average homesteaded home value in the city (about $500,000) would see the debt‑service millage add about $108 for parks bond debt service.
Shelby offered an example lowering the M&O to 5.065 mils, noting that would yield a modest tax reduction while still generating additional revenue (an example cushion of roughly $657,000 or other figures shown in staff materials) to manage appeals and program changes. Council members expressed support for considering a reduction, acknowledging outstanding uncertainties such as pending grant results and an ongoing appeal period that could affect the digest.
What’s next: Council will consider staff’s millage recommendations as part of the FY26 budget process and discuss timing and the potential formal rollback or reduced rate as staff continues to monitor appeals and grant outcomes.
