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Council sets preliminary millage, proposes higher fire and solid‑waste assessments; will consider subsidies
Summary
Council adopted preliminary millage (3.90) and initial fire and solid‑waste assessments; staff presented an estimated $99.22 residential fire assessment increase and a roughly $66.69 increase for residential solid‑waste service, and council directed staff to explore veterans' exemptions and possible subsidies at the budget workshop.
Finance staff presented the preliminary budget items required for TRIM notices, recommending the town maintain its millage at 3.90 and adopt initial assessment rates for fire protection and solid waste that reflect contract escalations and operational cost increases.
"For the fire assessment... increase of $99.22 per residential dwelling unit," finance staff said, noting that part of the jump reflects contract escalation and an equipment replacement allowance. For solid waste, staff presented an average bulk‑service increase of about $118.44 per parcel and a residential increase of about $66.69. Council discussed whether to keep prior subsidies in place and whether to raise the veterans’ exemption from 50% to 100%. The mayor said he supports a 100% exemption for veterans with service‑connected, total and permanent disability and asked staff to present subsidy scenarios at the upcoming budget workshop.
Council approved the preliminary resolutions for millage and assessments by roll call, with staff planning to model options (including a proposed $100,000 subsidy suggestion) and return with final numbers ahead of the final budget hearings.
