Manhattan City Commissioners agreed to publish a high-end of 3.5 for a mill levy increase ahead of a pair of 2022 budget hearings in September.
Earlier this summer, the commission had agreed to publish a potential mill levy increase of 5.079. Mayor Wynn Butler was emphatic at the time that he would not agree with that much of an increase, and reiterated it Tuesday night.
City staff was recommending the higher number in an effort to restore services and staffing that have been cut over the past few years. Butler criticized that approach, saying the focus needs to be on increasing what are currently stagnant sales tax numbers.
Aaron Estabrook countered Butler’s argument saying raising the mill levy is the hardest thing to do.
Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers offered a stark view of the budgetary impacts without the full increase.
Commissioner Usha Reddi reiterated her belief that federal coronavirus aid under ARPA does offer ways to help the city keep the property tax level from increasing so much.
Estabrook said pinning hopes to ARPA funding and increased sales tax revenue at this time isn’t the right approach.
The commission takes next Tuesday off before holding budget hearings on September 7th and 22nd. The budget is to be made final October 1st.
