It took three motions, but the county commission has set next year’s millage rate.
In a three to two vote the rolled back rate of 8.9064 was chosen. Last year’s rate was 8.7495.
The roll back rate allows the county to generate about the same revenue as the year before.
As the county’s tentative budget now sits, the rate will require slicing off about $211,000 from the proposed budget.
The process to determine the millage rate started with commissioner Brenda Holt making a motion to use the “growth” millage rate of 9.8, seconded by Derrick Price.
Now by state law, in order to raise the rate above the “Roll Back” rate, it requires a super majority (four votes).
That measure failed in a three to two vote with commissioner Eugene Lamb and commissioner Doug Croley voting against the measure.
Lamb in turn made a motion that was seconded by Croley to use the current (last year’s) rate of 8.7495.
The motion failed with Chairman Ed Dixon, Price and Holt voting against the measure.
Holt then made the motion for the roll back rate, with Price seconding the motion.
Croley and Lamb voted against the measure.
Once set, the rate cannot be raised until proper notice is given. (it can be lowered, however)
The millage rate will go before the commission two more times during the budget hearing process that lasts until September.
According to office of management and budget director Davin Sugg’s handout, the roll back rate will reduce property taxes by 5.68 percent.
The reduction occurs, because of the increase in the overall tax rolls during the past year.
The county staff is proposing a budget this year of $35 million compared to last year’s budget of $39 million.
In other business, the board authorized the county attorney to create an ordinance to be voted on in the November election concerning universal garbage collection in the county.
The universal garbage collection referendum comes on the heels of a citizens advisory committee’s recommendation to the county commission.
The solid waste collection/recycling program is intended for residents in the unincorporated areas of the county and will be on the August 17 meeting for discussion.