By Richard Zowie —
For the third year in a row, the Fredericksburg City Council has voted to lower its property tax rate.
At their regular meeting Sept. 8, the council voted 5-0 to lower the rate from $0.02482 to $0.02313 per $100 valuation, due to new growth and appraisals resulting in higher property values.
The council also approved the 2015-2016 budget and received updates on the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and a proposed ordinance on entry corridors.
2015-2016 budget
The council approved 5-0 the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1 and will end Sept. 30, 2016.
The budget includes revenues of $43,273,250 and expenditures of $42,674,000.
In this year’s budget, the three fee increases include a three-percent raise in electric rates and eliminating 1,000 gallons of water consumption used for minimum monthly sewer charges.
Another increase is in RV park fees, due to the increase in operation costs and the city’s desire to stay close to the average local RV rates.
Other major changes in the general fund include adding a new fire chief on Jan. 1 and a new firefighter next April, as well as adding a new executive assistant position supporting city manager and public works director.
“I am excited about the programs and services that are included in the budget for funding in the coming year,” said Laura Hollenbeak, director of finance. “This funding will allow us to continue to improve basic services, upgrade critical infrastructure and offer a continued high quality of life for our citizens.”
Property tax rate
On a unanimous 5-0 vote, the council agreed to a lowered property tax rate in the city to $0.02313 per $100 valuation. They believe it will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than the current tax rate, which has been $.02482.
This is the third year in a row they’ve lowered the tax rate, thanks to higher property values. The city’s sales tax revenues also continue to experience healthy increases, Myers said.
For more on this story, read this week’s print and online editions of the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post. If you are a print subscriber, your full online subscription is free. All you need to do is call 830-997-2155 to get a password. If you are not a subscriber, call 997-2155 or click on the ‘Subscribe’ button on the left side of the home page and sign up today!