Paragonah approves tentative 2027 budget, awaits certified tax figure

Paragonah’s Town Council approved a tentative fiscal‑year 2027 budget at its May 13 meeting while staff and members warned that the certified property‑tax figure from the county has not yet been received and could change projected revenues.

The council approved the tentative budget by motion after staff distributed printed copies and asked members to review them before the next meeting. Council members said the town will need the county’s certified property‑tax numbers in June to finalize revenues and set the final tax rate.

Why it matters: the certified property‑tax figure will determine actual tax revenue available to the town and could require adjustments to the proposed budget before final adoption. Council members discussed the possibility of gradually increasing the town’s property‑tax rate over time to align more closely with neighboring jurisdictions and to keep up with cost‑of‑living pressures.

“ We did need to raise the property tax,” said a council member during debate, acknowledging that revenue assumptions may change once the certified county numbers arrive. Another member noted the town’s current tax rate is substantially lower than some nearby towns and argued for a planned, gradual approach to any increases.

Councilors also flagged a future truth‑in‑taxation/public‑hearing step: once the county provides certified figures, the council will schedule the required public hearing on property‑tax proposals. The town approved the tentative budget to meet statutory timelines; final adoption will follow after the county’s certification and any required public notices and hearings.

The council did not set a final tax rate at the meeting; members said they expect to revisit the budget and any tax‑rate adjustments at the next meeting after county certification.