Residents urge council to delay Bluff property-tax hike proposed to fund emergency services

Bluff — Dozens of residents spoke at a June 2 public hearing about the town’s proposed 2026–27 budget, with many urging the town council to postpone or reject a proposed property-tax increase intended to fund emergency services.

The town’s presentation said the tax-rate change would generate about $50,000 in new revenue — bringing total town property-tax collections to roughly $83,186 under current estimates — and that the additional revenue would be used to fund a part-time emergency-services coordinator, support grant writing and recruitment for firefighters and EMTs, and expand employee benefits. The presentation estimated the town portion of the tax bill would rise by about $105.61 for a primary residence with a market value of $233,800; a $500,000 home would see an increase on the order of $225 a year. Staff said those figures are based on prior-year valuations and are approximate until final county numbers are certified.

Many speakers pushed back on the timing and scale of the proposal. "I am against this increase in property tax and ask the council to vote against the proposed budget," said Linda Sosa, a former council member and property owner, who questioned the transparency and the lack of a finalized job description for the new position and suggested the role start as hourly rather than salaried.

Former mayor (speaking as a resident) said she appreciated the council's work but urged caution and more analysis, particularly given recent commercial appraisal changes and their effect on local businesses. "Slow it up," she said, asking for further study of net impacts.

Business owners also objected. "This is not a good year to come after businesses," said Liza Doran, who said Bluff’s tourism-related tax revenue has declined and recommended using budget surplus or other revenue sources before raising property taxes.

Several residents urged tabling the measure so the council could develop a strategic plan. "I don't think you need to fund anything until you have a plan in place," said Jim Hook, speaking online and identifying himself as a long-time volunteer and former fire chief.

By contrast, current volunteer firefighters and younger community members argued that modest, stable support is necessary to sustain emergency services as responsibilities and regulatory complexity increase. "This position would help the department rise up to meet these complex demands," said Kate Acheson, a member of the fire department and business owner, who described rising equipment and training costs and safety concerns that make a coordinator role valuable.

Town staff and the mayor emphasized next steps: written public comments are due by Friday, June 12 at 5 p.m.; council members will read and consider written comments before a work session next week; and a Truth-in-Taxation hearing required by state law is scheduled for Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. Staff said if the council adopts a budget that includes a tax increase before that hearing, any new revenue would be held in a restricted account until the Truth-in-Taxation process concludes and a final decision is made.

No final vote on the budget or tax increase occurred at the June 2 meeting; council members said they expect further discussion at the upcoming work session and a formal budget vote two weeks from the hearing.