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Farmington officials approve
property tax increase
Published Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
FARMINGTON — Farmington aldermen adopted a 3 mill property tax increase Tuesday as the fiscal 2010 budget was approved.
Farmington’s total millage now stands at 27.3, with 20.35 designated for the general fund and 6.95 designated for debt service. The budget and tax levy were approved 4-0, with Alderman Hank Barrett absent. Mayor Dale Fortenberry said the tax increase is necessary to maintain city services because the town’s assessed property value has decreased and a mill will generate less revenue than it did in the previous fiscal year.
No changes were made to the budget as presented in last week’s public hearing on the tax levy, which drew a number of citizens who oppose the increase on the grounds that it creates a hardship on residents during the economic recession.
It is the second consecutive year to bring a tax increase for Farmington residents. After four years at 20 mills, the tax levy increased to 24.3 mills last year as Farmington leaders cited increasing utility and fuel costs.
The tax levy had previously been as high as 22.75 mills during the town’s first year of incorporation and as low as 10 mills during its second year. Farmington residents will also see an increase in their county tax bills.
In other business:
• In a 3-1 vote, the board rejected requests from two residents for swimming pool adjustments on their sewer bills for refilling the pools. The town normally allows one adjustment per year, and it was the second request for both residents.
• The board approved the hiring of Michael Martin as a part-time officer.
• For security purposes, the town is looking into putting a door at the entrance to the hall leading to various offices.
