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Finance director cites litigation‑driven funding gap; city schedules two millage public hearings
Summary
Garden City's finance director said litigation prevents charging fire protection user fees, creating a gap in the fire budget that the proposed millage increase aims to cover; two public hearings are set for July 13 (4:00 p.m.) and July 20 (6:00 p.m.) at City Hall, and residents urged clearer outreach on homestead exemptions.
Finance Director Katie told the July 9 Garden City town hall that the city has proposed a millage rate increase to close a funding gap for fire services created after litigation halted the city’s ability to collect fire protection user fees.
Katie summarized the adopted fire budget and revenue mix, saying the fire budget was set at $4,500,000 funded with approximately $1,400,000 from fire protection user fees, $359,000 in miscellaneous revenue and a $2,700,000 general fund subsidy. "Due to recent litigation, the city can no longer fund the fire or can no longer charge the fire protection user fees, leaving a funding gap for fire services," Katie said. She added the city made $500,000 in reductions to the budget before proposing any millage increase and explained the city’s rationale for preserving reserves to avoid depleting funds needed for emergencies and cash‑flow stabilization.
Katie said the city rolled the millage back annually from 2015 through 2024 when the tax digest grew, but with slower growth now the city needs to consider an increase. She announced two additional public hearings: Monday, July 13 at 4:00 p.m. and Monday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m., both at City Hall.
During public comment a Garden City resident who lives at 2621 Woodlawn Avenue urged council to vote for the millage, arguing that cuts would hurt employees while the city struggles to balance services. The resident also urged better outreach on homestead and school tax exemptions, saying the homestead deadline had been extended to July 31 and that filing must be done in person.
The resident criticized social‑media critics who the speaker said do not live in Garden City and noted some objectors pay only small sums in city taxes. The resident said many seniors could benefit from exemptions: "A disabled veteran can receive a $126,000 exemption if they are disabled," the speaker said, describing potential tax relief for qualifying residents.
Next steps: council has scheduled the two announced public hearings. Staff said it will provide outreach about exemptions and filing requirements.
