Belleview commission leans toward 5.5000 millage rate ahead of tax referendum

Mayor Christine Dobkowski said at an Aug. 25 budget workshop that she favors a 5.5000 millage rate for next year. She said the higher rate would be the fiscally responsible step in light of the referendum, and the city could roll it back next year if the referendum does not pass.

Commissioners Ronald T Livsey, Ray Dwyer and Michael Goldman agreed with the mayor on the 5.5000 rate. Commissioner Robert “BO” Smith said he favors a 5.2500 rate over 5.5000 but is open to reviewing it. Goldman said he does not want to raise taxes and that the commission has done its best to avoid that for many years.

A representative of Milestone Professional Services, which presented the budget, said revenues rise by about $125,000 for each 0.25 increase in the millage rate. Administrator Moody said the impact to residents would be about $75 a year for each increase. The city comptroller said a shortfall may occur in the future and that building reserves with the higher millage rate will help.

The draft budget includes 3% cost of living raises, a salary study and scheduled pay increases, new positions and a new Building Official role. Salaries and benefits for the new positions, not counting the building official, total $284,176, all in the general fund. The building official’s salary and benefits total $138,177. Moody asked for input on the added positions and salary increases. The new general fund positions would not be funded or filled until the results of the tax referendum are available. The commission directed staff to add those items to the budget for review at the budget hearing.

Dobkowski asked that the millage and budgets be calculated and presented at both the 5.2500 and 5.5000 rates for the budget hearing. At the Sept. 15 budget hearing, the commission reached a consensus to set the millage at 5.5000. The city comptroller said that rate is 15.56% greater than the rolled back rate of 4.7596.