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Tax increase – Property values drive hike

Decatur

Tax increase – Property values drive hike

Decatur City Hall.
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Decatur City Hall

Decatur City Hall

The Decatur City Commission adopted a tentative millage rate of 13 mills during its May 19 meeting.

According to an announcement from the city, while the millage rate hasn’t changed, the rise in Decatur property values will mean an average increase of 6.62 percent in taxes.

“This increase is consistent with new development and home sale data tracked by the City for the past three years. The State’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights requires that this increase be advertised,” an announcement from the city says. “For property that was not reassessed there should be no increase in property taxes.”

During the May 19 meeting, City Manager Peggy Merriss said this is the first time since 2007 that the Truth in Taxation Requirements have kicked in, making it necessary for the city to hold public hearings. She said the city is also required to publish the “rollback” millage rate, which would be 12.183 mills.

Decatur’s tax digest has increased by more than 12 percent, which was also discussed during recent City Schools of Decatur budget hearings. Merriss said half of that comes from reassessed property values and the other half comes from new development in the city.

The city of Decatur will hold public hearings on this issue on June 2 at 7:30 pm; June 9 at 6 pm, and June 16 at 7:30 pm.

“The final millage will be set at the Decatur City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2014,” the announcement says. “All meetings are held in the City Commission Meeting room, Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur.”

 

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