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Yuma council debates property‑tax messaging; staff to present options to keep levy flat
Summary
Councilmembers pressed staff to clarify why the city's preliminary budget posting made it appear property taxes were rising; staff explained the 'truth in taxation' notice and agreed to prepare green‑sheet options next meeting to keep the tax rate flat.
Councilmembers spent a significant portion of the June 4 meeting discussing public confusion over a social‑media post that suggested the city was raising property taxes. Councilmember McClendon invited staff member Doug to explain the mechanics behind the preliminary budget posting and the truth‑in‑taxation notice.
Doug explained the city posts the preliminary budget using the maximum levy and rate to preserve council flexibility; that posting can make the rate appear higher than the prior year because it uses a $100,000 benchmark in the required notice and because the county’s initial classifications of some assessed valuation (recurring vs. new construction) affected the posted figures. He said the council may, by motion after the public hearing, set a lower rate — and offered to prepare a green sheet and scenario comparisons (for keeping the rate flat at last year’s 2.1321 rate, increasing it, etc.) for the next meeting.
Councilmembers said the posted notice causes confusion for residents who see the preliminary numbers. Several members signaled support for keeping the rate flat and asked staff to prepare a single, clear option and historical context for distribution ahead of the next hearing. No final rate was adopted June 4; council scheduled further action and a public hearing in the next meeting packet.
