Proposed 2008 Budget: Disciplined and Holds the Line on Property Taxes

ANDERSON, IN - The administration of Mayor Kevin S. Smith began hearings Monday evening with the City Council, proposing a disciplined budget that holds the line on city property taxes.

“By redirecting spending, the city of Anderson reduced the city portion of homeowners’ property taxes two years in a row,” said Mayor Smith. “The 2008 budget proposal again holds the line on the property tax rate by maintaining the same rate as 2007.” 

City Controller Morris Long said the General Fund budget of $35.6 million projects a tax rate of $1.5136 for 2008 that is identical to 2007.

Highlights of the 2008 budget include:

• Raises of 3 per cent for employees, with no change in insurance or benefits.
• Continuation a paving plan for the fourth year in a row.
• Matching funds to replace the city’s Nifty Lift and fixed route buses.
• The proposed budget absorbs $2 million in increased spending without raising taxes.
• After two years of reductions in the city property tax rate, the proposed 2008 rate remains the same as that of 2007 ($1.5135). Both rates are lower than the 2004 rate ($1.5214).  

Source: City of Anderson Press Release