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Residents press council on valuations and tax impact as council seeks auditor certification
Summary
During public comment at the special meeting, residents asked whether new property valuations will increase individual tax bills and how funds would be used; officials said the county’s reappraisal figures are used, the measure is presented as a renewal rather than a tax increase, and the council will publish details if placed on the ballot.
Two residents spoke during public comment at the London City Council special meeting, asking how a proposed renewal levy would affect individual property-tax bills and what the funds would be used for.
Linda Heil, introduced herself and gave her address, asked whether the city would use new valuation figures and whether the renewal would increase property taxes. "Is that right? So the valuation of people's properties, is what's gonna be considered also?" Heil asked. A council member answered that the Madison County auditor recently reappraised properties and that those valuations are what will be used to compute levy revenue; the speaker emphasized this renewal is not a new tax increase to individual taxpayers.
A second resident, who identified himself as Leo from the Shavington neighborhood, asked what would happen if voters rejected the renewal and whether the city would pursue a replacement levy later. Council members said the city would likely explore alternative funding sources and could bring a replacement proposal later if statute allows. Leo urged the city to publish examples of how the funds would be spent so voters could make an informed choice.
Council members and staff clarified that enterprise funds for water and sanitary services are self-funded; because the city no longer operates those enterprises, it has less fee-generated revenue and greater reliance on general-fund sources such as this levy. Council and staff said more detailed, certified dollar figures will come from the Madison County auditor and that the council plans additional public information if and when the measure is placed on the ballot.
