Smithville aldermen approve emergency ordinance setting 2024 property tax levy

The Smithville Board of Aldermen on a 4–2 roll-call vote adopted an emergency ordinance setting the city—s 2024 property tax levy (bill 3038-24). Alderman Atkins moved for approval; the ordinance was read into the record and references 67.110, RSMo, as the statutory basis cited by staff.

At a brief discussion before the vote, an alderman asked why the city—s levy rose rather than fall; the alderman noted the increase of about 0.01111, which the board—s discussion characterized as roughly $107 for every $100,000 in assessed value. Cynthia, a city staff member, said the calculation follows the state—s prescribed method used by all municipalities, explained that allowable inflationary increases are applied as assessments change, and noted a slight decline in personal property assessments that also affects the calculation.

No public speakers testified during the advertised public hearing; the mayor opened the hearing, explained procedural rules and a three-minute limit for speakers, and closed the hearing before the ordinance vote.

The ordinance passed on both readings by 4–2 votes in successive roll calls. The board did not identify any immediate implementation date in the discussion; the ordinance text read aloud ties the levy to the 2024 tax year and the statutory citation provided by staff.

The next steps are ministerial: the city clerk recorded the votes and the ordinance was read into the minutes. Any procedural or appeal deadlines tied to the levy follow state statute cited in the reading.