5/21/13 - The Howell City Council adopted the budget for the upcoming fiscal year at Monday nightâs meeting, which basically maintains status quo to get through the year and see how things look down the road. The budget did include a continuation of the city garbage tax, which was why Councilman Doug Heins voted against it. The overall budget does not raise taxes and maintains the same millage rate as the year before although the fund balance will be reduced by $51,000, bringing it to just over $1.5 (m) million. The budget includes the hire of a police officer but prior to approval, Councilman Al Schlittler had sought to amend the budget and shift funds from other areas to hire a second officer. He also sought to reduce the garbage tax, which sunsets at the end of next year. Some members were surprised by the suggestion since it never came up during multiple budget work sessions. Many expressed that they were open to future discussions but didnât feel comfortable the City has the money right now. Last nightâs budget adoption does not preclude Council from looking at adding an officer in the future and the amendment failed to pass, although Mayor Phil Campbell and Heins voted in favor of it. Council considers budget amendments based on revised financial projections, typically on a quarterly basis. New personal property tax exemptions begin in the 2014/2015 year, which spell a loss of $50,000 per year in tax revenue for the city. City Manager Shea Charles says they are seeing signs of positive tax base growth for the first time but the budget still included another 5% reduction in overall taxable value, mostly due to the various tax tribunal cases the City went through last year. With tax tribunals due at the end of the month, he says they should be able to get an idea of what kind of exposure the City may or may not have this year. (JM)
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