Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fairview first-reading budget includes proposed 19¢ tax increase; finance staff set work session
Summary
City finance staff presented the FY 2026–27 budget and proposed a 19¢ tax increase to address a revenue shortfall; board scheduled a June 2 work session and set a June 18 second reading date.
City finance staff presented a proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget on May 21 and told the Board of Commissioners the revenue picture requires immediate decisions. Finance Director Ethan Knox reviewed revenues and recommended a modest tax increase as one option to balance the budget.
Mayor Ryle and Director Knox said staff projected a revenue shortfall and that a 19¢ tax increase would cover the year’s gap but might leave the city in a similar position the following year. "The 19¢ would, in my best estimation, cover this year's issue, but we would be right back here next year having a very same conversation," Mayor Ryle said. Knox illustrated the household impact with a 25¢ example: at a $250,000 property value, a 25¢ increase would add about $156.25 per year; he provided scaled examples for higher-valued properties as well.
Commissioners asked for options showing proposed cuts so the board can see how services or personnel would be affected. Vice Mayor McDonald and others asked for a budget work session to review alternatives and tradeoffs. The board scheduled a work session for June 2 at 6 p.m. and directed staff to prepare alternative budget scenarios ahead of the June 18 second reading.
This meeting included a first reading of Ordinance 20-26-09 (annual budget and tax rate for FY 2026–27); the first reading passed 5–0. Further decisions, including the final tax rate, will occur at the required second reading and public hearing.
