Belleview sets tentative tax rate at 5.5 mills, 15.56% above rolled-back rate

The Belleview City Commission approved a tentative tax rate of 5.5000 mills for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. That rate is 15.56% higher than the rolled-back rate of 4.7596 mills. The commission also approved a tentative budget of $45,454,272.

Mayor Christine Dobkowski stated for the record that tax revenues are rising because of growth and increased property value. Commissioners had a second option of 5.25 mills, which was 10.30% above the rolled-back rate. At the 5.5 rate, the budget shows $2,807,199 in property taxes and a total of $45,454,272, compared with $2,679,599 and $45,326,672 at 5.25 mills.

A representative of Milestone Professional Services presented the millage and budget options. Commissioners discussed possible effects of the property tax referendum before reaching a consensus on 5.5000.

Both votes were 5-0. Commissioner Ray Dwyer moved to approve the tax rate, and Commissioner Michael Goldman seconded. Goldman moved to approve the budget, and Dwyer seconded.

The final millage resolution, Resolution 26-12, was set for a Sept. 29 special meeting at the same 5.5000 mills.

Goldman left the meeting at 6:54 p.m. The four remaining members then approved annexing commercially zoned parcels owned by US 441 Development LLC, at the owner’s request. The parcels have access to US 441 and SE 100th Street and have city water and sewer available. Commissioners also approved a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment for a property annexed in March 2026 that is being developed with a single-family home.

City Clerk Lezli Merritt presented an analysis of utility billing write-offs of the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 write-offs the commission approved Sept. 1. The analysis lists refunded deposits, delayed disconnections, lack of balance transfers, and major leaks or billing issues among the main causes.