Council debates how to phase revaluation impact as proposed budget would raise tax bills for many homeowners
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Summary
Administration estimated a 6.6% operating increase and showed sample tax‑bill comparisons under revaluation; councilors discussed phased implementation, potential cuts and protections for fixed‑income residents as revaluation-driven increases could be substantial for many households.
Administration presented the city’s proposed operating budget and walked councilors through the projected mill rate impacts under a recent property revaluation. Staff said the operating budget would result in a 6.6% increase and offered sample tax‑bill calculations for three property sizes to illustrate the combined effect of the budget and revaluation.
Director Roy and Administrator Kenrath explained that adjustments to the proposed budget could lower the mill‑rate impact and that the council could consider staging implementation of the revaluation or targeted cuts. Administrator Kenrath said staff can provide comparative figures based on current valuations so councilors can assess options.
Councilors expressed concern about the timing and magnitude of increases. Councilor Chittum asked for an estimate of how the budget would look if the council kept last year’s valuations, and administration provided a comparative tax‑bill result: a sample household would see a multi‑hundred‑dollar increase dependent on revaluation status.
Some councilors urged immediate cuts to discretionary spending and suggested delaying full revaluation implementation to mitigate harm to fixed‑income residents; others said delaying the revaluation would postpone an overdue update and only defer the fiscal adjustment. Administrator Kenrath said staff would return with options, including using current valuations for rate-setting, phasing, and a list of potential budget reductions.
