Council weighs 1% property‑tax capacity; no levy included in preliminary budget

Brandon Allen told council the manager’s presented budget does not assume a 1% ad valorem property‑tax increase but described how the levy works and its fiscal effect. “That 1% is roughly…$215,000 a year,” Allen said, adding that the per‑household impact would typically range from about $5 to $17 annually depending on assessed value.

Allen explained the administrative mechanics: the council sets a levy amount and the county computes the levy rate against assessed values. He noted there is no penalty for not taking the 1% increase, though declining to ‘bank’ capacity reduces future levy‑raising flexibility. Council asked for further discussion; staff scheduled ordinance readings and asked council for guidance during October and November meetings.