The city’s finance team presented a plans for adopting the final millage rate and the associated budget revisions. The council had initially set a millage rate of 1.7166 mills, but it was not in compliance due to the lack of a supermajority vote. The revised rate of 1.6912 mills aligns with the maximum allowable rate that can be passed with a simple majority. However, the decision saw some division among council members, with one member voicing a preference for reverting to the rollback rate of 1.5875 mills, citing a need for further reduction to ease the tax burden on residents.

The meeting also included discussions on the implications of the adopted millage rate on the city’s budget. The council approved a resolution to decrease the city’s budget revenues and expenditures by $528,068 to reflect the impact of the millage rate reduction. This adjustment was achieved by reducing the contingent reserve allocation. The council expressed gratitude to city staff for their prompt action in resolving the compliance issue, particularly given the timing of the meeting just before Thanksgiving.

Additionally, the council conducted the first reading of an ordinance to repeal a previous ordinance and ratify the newly adopted budget resolution. This step is necessary to adhere to the city’s charter requirements. The second reading of this ordinance is scheduled for the upcoming December council meeting.