Property owners in the City of Thomson might see higher tax bills in the coming year.
City council members are considering a half-mil increase -- about $20 a year more in taxes on a $100,000 home.
The half-mil increase -- set for discussion at three upcoming public hearings and slated for final approval at the Sept. 9 city council meeting -- would generate $50,135. That's just enough to make up a $48,687 shortfall in the planned fiscal year 2005 budget. The city's fiscal year begins January 1.
"(The budget) is tighter now than it ever has been," Mayor Bob Knox said, adding that the increase would be the first in the more than 25 years he's been mayor.
The budget does include a 2 percent cost-of-living wage increase for all city employees, but little else in the way of extras. Leaders trimmed thousands of dollars in new spending, leaving only necessities in the budget.
One reason there's a shortfall left is officials didn't transfer money from the city's gas fund to the main budget. The proposed tax increase would eliminate that need and free the gas money up for needed system improvements.
"We won't have to fight the temptation to take money from other places that it is also needed," Mr. Knox said.
City officials now have to hold three public meetings: one at 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, one at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 2 and a final one on Sept. 9, just before city officials are scheduled to adopt the increase.
