Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Garden City council adopts 2026 ad valorem millage rate after debate over use of surplus and fire-fee settlement
Summary
After extended public comment and discussion about a recent fire-fee lawsuit settlement and the city's fund balance, the Garden City mayor and council voted to adopt a proposed ad valorem millage rate for fiscal year 2026 to cover anticipated appropriations; the motion carried on a recorded roll call.
Garden City’s mayor and council voted to adopt a resolution setting the city’s ad valorem tax millage rate for fiscal year 2026 after an extended debate about alternatives and the use of reserve funds.
Council read the resolution and members and residents discussed potential millage-rate options and how much of the budget shortfall could be covered from the city’s fund balance. City staff estimated that a 7.581 millage rate would reduce the appropriation of funds to roughly $700,000, while a 5.5–6 mill option would leave larger appropriations in place. “If you did 6 mills…you’re gonna have to appropriate approximately 2,200,000,” city finance staff summarized during the discussion. The council also discussed the impact of a recent settlement tied to the prior fire-fee practice; staff said the original claim approached $5.2 million and the city reduced the settlement to about $1.4 million to avoid risk in litigation.
Councilmember S12 moved to approve the resolution and S19 seconded the motion. The roll call recorded four votes in favor and two against; the motion carried. The council’s action directs staff to implement the adopted millage rate for FY2026 and preserves the city's current budgeting plan while maintaining the appropriations and reserve considerations discussed on the record.
