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Clinton council adopts proposed 2026–27 property tax levy after public objections
Summary
Clinton City Council on March 24 adopted a proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2026–27 after a public hearing; several residents objected to what one called a ‘‘preposterous’’ 13% increase, while councilors said the figure is a not-to-exceed number pending state aid updates.
Clinton City Council adopted a resolution on March 24 setting the city’s proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2026–27. The measure was approved after a public hearing and roll-call vote; council members said the levy is a ‘not-to-exceed’ figure that may be reduced when state aid and valuation numbers are finalized.
At the public hearing, resident Eli Skipper of 645 12th Avenue North told the council he opposed the proposed increase. “I am opposed to the…the 13% is a little preposterous,” Skipper said, arguing taxpayers should not be asked to cover “bad and poor decision-making” tied to debt and benefits. He said higher rates risk pushing residents to neighboring, more ‘beautified’ cities.
Council members and staff responded that the published levy satisfies statutory notice requirements and represents the maximum the council may adopt today. A speaker at the meeting noted the figure is a not-to-exceed amount and that the city is “hoping we get lower than this levy number” when the state’s budget figures arrive and the council finalizes the budget.
The council took the required motion and roll call to adopt the proposed levy. Council members said they expect to revisit the levy and budget after state-level tax and aid decisions are finalized and as the council continues budget trimming efforts.
The action begins the formal local budgeting process; a final levy and budget will be adopted at a later meeting after the city receives state figures and further council review.
