· Related development
Rates recalculated after errors in figures sent to tax offices; ceiling set at $0.4307
At a special meeting, staff presented recalculated rates after errors were found in numbers used to calculate them (debt figures, a fleet debt item, and a TIRZ value deduction). The voter-approval rate rose to $0.45252; the no-new-revenue rate stayed $0.42170. After several failed motions, council set a not-to-exceed rate of $0.4307 (Stanley, Reid and Tipps for; Simpson against all motions).[1][2]
Cole StanleyLes SimpsonTim ReidDon TippsDavid PrescottAndrew Freeman
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
The Tribune reported the original rates used debt collection numbers more than $2 million too high, counted $1.1 million in fee-paid fleet debt in general revenue, and double-deducted TIRZ value (about $1.2 million for the upcoming budget).[1]
- ✓ Verified
After recalculation the no-new-revenue rate stayed $0.42170 and the voter-approval rate rose $0.00508 to $0.45252.[1]
- No new revenue rate per 100
- $0.42170 per $100
- Voter approval rate per 100
- $0.45252 per $100
- ✓ Verified
Potter County Tax Assessor-Collector: The Potter County tax assessor-collector said the incorrect number appeared, based on his office's internal research, to have been provided by City staff.[1]
- ✓ Verified
Mayor Cole Stanley: "They were essentially taking that value and deducting it from our revenues twice."[1]
- ✓ Verified
Simpson's motion to cap the rate at the no-new-revenue rate got no second; after three failed motions, Stanley, Reid and Don Tipps voted to set the not-to-exceed rate at $0.4307. Simpson voted against every motion.[1][2]
- Not to exceed rate per 100
- $0.43070 per $100
- ✓ Verified
Councilmember Les Simpson: "I really think we owe it to the taxpayers to provide relief to them and that's the budget I'm going to be looking for."[2]