Perry City Council adopts certified property tax rate, approves FY2026-27 compensation schedule

Perry City — The Perry City Council on June 11 reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budgets and a required compensation disclosure, chose not to raise the property tax rate and adopted a compensation ordinance for city officials and staff.

Finance Director Shanna Johnson presented the proposed FY2026–27 budget, describing a $7,048,386 general fund that allocates 31% to streets and 27% to police, and summarized proposed rate changes in enterprise funds, including a 15% proposed water rate increase and smaller increases for garbage, storm drain and sewer. Johnson also disclosed maximum allowable compensation changes under Senate Bill 91 (2024) for elected and appointed officials, noting the figures include salary, benefits, bonuses and vehicle allowances.

The Council considered a statutorily required property tax impact schedule that would have increased the city rate from 0.001859 to 0.002122 (an estimated additional $164,054 citywide, about $65.78 annually for a primary residence valued at $454,737). After discussion, the Council voted to adopt the certified 0.001859 rate, concluding that recently identified funding adjustments — including using reserves for a server upgrade and restructuring police compensation — removed the need for a tax increase this cycle. Council Member Dave Walker moved to adopt Resolution 2026‑10; Council Member Toby Wright seconded. The roll call vote was 5‑0 in favor.

Also approved was Ordinance 26‑I, the compensation schedule required by state law; Council Member Walker moved approval with a clerical correction to a hearing-date reference noted by Council Member Blake Ostler, and Council Member Nathan Tueller seconded. The measure passed on a unanimous roll call.

Finance Director Johnson told the Council she will bring a year‑end budget amendment to the June 25 meeting for standard compliance adjustments (revenue updates, community development subdivision expenses, animal control shelter fees and transfers). She also committed to working with the water utility to develop a visible restricted line item to track funds set aside for infrastructure repair and replacement, responding to a Council request.

The Council discussed several policy options raised by Council Member Ostler, who suggested re‑examining the 5% proposed garbage rate increase (pointing to an approximate $65,000 annual garbage‑fund surplus) and lowering the landfill‑voucher purchase budget pending a stock check. The Council did not vote on those specific rate changes at this meeting; Johnson agreed to follow up on inventory and accounting mechanics.

The meeting concluded with routine consent approvals and calendar reminders. The next required action on the budget calendar will be the year‑end amendment on June 25; the truth‑and‑taxation hearing originally described in the impact schedule was not scheduled because the Council adopted the certified rate.