The City Commission will hold separate public hearings on the budget and its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate during its meeting beginning Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 at City Hall.
The proposed budget includes more than $26.5 million in operating expenses, an increase of 8.1%. Another $36.9 million is planned for infrastructure projects and equipment upgrades.
The city proposes reducing its property tax rate from 46.359 mills to 45.002 mills. However, that remains above the revenue neutral rate of 43.709 mills. The city projects collecting about 2.6% more in property taxes than last year.
The plan includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, a new city planner position and several capital improvement projects. Officials say about two-thirds of the city budget is funded through sources other than property taxes.
Following the hearings, commissioners are scheduled to consider adopting the budget, related capital plans and a resolution authorizing the higher-than-revenue-neutral tax rate.
