(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission approved the city’s revenue neutral rate and 2027 budget Tuesday night, clearing the way for more than 63 million dollars in operating and capital spending.
City Manager Mark Westhoff explained that commissioners had three separate steps to consider. “So there are three things we are doing. The first, the revenue neutral rate and the mill levy, requires a public hearing and then a vote on the mill levy rate and the resolution to set that. The second, the budget proposal, requires a separate public hearing and then a vote to approve the budget. The third is an ordinance which appropriates the funds to the correct city funds for 2027.”The approved budget includes more than 26 and a half million dollars in operating expenses, an increase of 8.1%. Another 36.9 million dollars is planned for infrastructure projects and equipment upgrades.
The city’s property tax rate will decline from 46.359 mills to 45.002 mills. However, that remains above the revenue neutral rate of 43.709 mills, meaning the city expects to collect about 2.6% more in property taxes than last year.
The budget also provides a 2% cost of living adjustment for city employees and creates a city planner position. About two thirds of the budget is supported by revenue sources other than property taxes. “For most people, the question is, ‘Will my taxes go up?’ And the answer is, it’s complicated," Westhoff said. "Taking into account all the factors that we’re talking about here, the city’s reduction in our mill levy, only 2.6% rather than 5.5%, the new growth within the city that allows that to be possible, and the county sales tax, and if USD 409 maintains something like their current mill levy, it still ultimately depends on that individual appraisal for each home. But for many residents within the City of Atchison, based on the proposal in front of you today and the information we have tonight, property taxes will actually likely decrease in 2027. For those who did renovations or who received an updated appraisal from the county appraiser that was maybe lagging behind, they could still see a slight increase. It’ll depend on the value of that property. Some of them still might even see a decrease because we’re talking about nine to 10 mills below revenue neutral, which is pretty significant.”
Public hearings were held, with Mayor La Rochelle young responding to the concerns voiced by two regarding what they said were increasing property taxes and the amount of taxes paid compared to the amount of services delivered to residents. “We can certainly sympathize, and I do agree with our city manager. I would just encourage you to have those conversations with the county appraiser to look at that appeal process. I noted your concerns about the streets. That is noted. We are working diligently to try and address all of those things.”
Once public hearings concluded, votes were held with unanimous approval granted for the City of Atchison's 2027 budget.
