Woodbridge council approves $40,000 cut to District 11 levy after ballot loss

Council President Anderson and fellow council members voted to approve a $40,000 reduction to the amount to be raised by taxation for District 11after the district's proposed levy was defeated at the ballot by one vote. The council certified a revised levy of $1,470,805 and directed staff to submit the certification to the tax assessor.

Why it matters: Voters narrowly rejected the district's initial proposal, which had been stated as $1,510,805. Council members and staff said trimming $40,000 from the levy and reallocating $25,000 from future capital outlay would reduce the immediate tax impact; the district's accountant estimated the cut brings the previously projected 13%+ annual increase down to about $4 per household in District 11.

During the meeting, Vice President Spiller defended the fire district's expenses and sought to clarify where costs come from. "Water is not free," Spiller said, describing the cost of hydrants and underground piping that the district must pay for. Council members including Bauer and De Jesus thanked the District 11 Board of Fire Commissioners for presenting what they described as a sound budget and urged better outreach so residents understand budget details.

Council President Anderson announced the narrow ballot defeat and urged increased voter turnout: "the budget failed by 1 vote," Anderson said. The council discussed trimming capital outlay and reached a consensus on several light-line reductions; staff member Mitchell said the budget shows surplus in some lines and reductions were doable.

The council moved and seconded a resolution to adopt the $40,000 reduction and certified the revised amount to the tax assessor. The measure passed by voice vote; the meeting then moved to adjournment.

Next steps: The council directed staff to date the resolution and certify the levy to the tax assessor the following day.