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Resident urges commission to address RCPD costs after reviewing property valuation
Summary
Gary Olds, a long-time Manhattan resident, told commissioners rising assessed valuations will raise his property tax bill even if the mill levy stays flat and urged the city to address growing policing costs driven by RCPD.
At the start of public comment, resident Gary Olds (3308 Frontier Circle) outlined concerns about property valuations and the effect on household tax bills, saying that even with a flat city mill levy his payment will increase because assessed values rise.
“Property appreciates—that's just the reality of it,” Olds told the commission, and noted that although his city portion is modest—about $350 per year—he is worried about external costs he said are driving higher taxes, including the Royal City Police District (RCPD). “The difficulty is the fact that RCPD is killing us financially,” Olds said, urging the commission to consider the issue even if the city has limited direct control over some components of the tax bill.
The mayor acknowledged his comment and staff and commissioners referenced his point again during the subsequent public comment and policy item discussion. Olds also asked procedural questions about whether and how speakers can request additional time during public comment periods.
