(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has adopted a 2024 city budget that calls for a more than 16 percent property tax increase and an additional 1.4 mills levied.
The budget was adopted on a 3-1 vote Monday evening following a hearing in which local residents Stuart Aller and Richard Schilling voiced their concerns about the tax increase.
Commissioner Brian Shefferd casting the lone dissenting vote. Evans Woehlecke was absent. Shefferd proposed keeping the mill levy at the same rate as this year, which he said would still bring in about 12.5 percent in additional funding for the city budget due to an increase in the city's assessed valuation.
Following a second hearing prior to the budget hearing, the Commission approved a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate for the 2024 budget. The resolution was also approved on a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Shefferd casting the dissenting vote.
City Administrator Becky Berger reviewed the budget. She said the spending plan maintains service levels, budgets for adequate fund balances, while also providing for needed capital improvements and equipment purchases.
The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 42.459 mills, which is anticipated to raise more than $1.2 million in local tax revenue.
Berger said the mill levy increase would amount to roughly $103 more a year on a home valued at $150,000 or $68.82 more year on a home valued at $100,000.
She noted the city's property tax levy is below the average 54 mills for cities of similar size in the state.
In other business, the Commission approved the appointment of three additional members to the city's Housing Rehabilitation Advisory Board. Appointed were Bob Freese, Dave Thompson and Richard Schillling.
The Commission also gave Public Works Director Brad Scott approval to apply for a grant through the Kansas Department of Transportation to help fund a runway lighting project at the municipal airport.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Council hears report from golf course
LATEST STORIES
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Road, railway repairs, underway in Atchison this week
KS replacement plates see long wait times