The O'Fallon City Council on Dec. 1 approved on first reading an ordinance establishing the city’s annual property tax levy for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2026 after a contentious discussion about how the levy request would affect homeowners.

Council member Roach objected to the dollar amount the city is seeking, saying it would raise taxes for homeowners. "We're actually gonna be getting $86 almost $87 more" on a $250,000 house under the proposed request, Roach said, and added, "I'll be voting no because, again, I just don't think it's the right time to tax our citizens even more."

Finance staff Sandy Evans told the council the city sets a dollar amount rather than a fixed rate and does not control the county or state multiplier that converts assessed values into tax rates. "The city has no control on the multiplier," Evans said, and cautioned the council that the final rate will not be known until the assessment valuation (EAV) is finalized in March or April. Evans added she was "pretty confident that $30 will not occur," while noting there is no guarantee.

Council members framed the issue as a balance between funding obligations and limiting homeowner burdens. Evans said the requested increase reflects obligations including fire, EMS and police pension commitments.

On roll call the measure passed with three recorded 'no' votes (Council members Roach, Hudson and Ford); the mayor announced, "Motion carries." As a first reading, the levy ordinance will return for final consideration after the county certification of assessed values and any technical adjustments in spring.