The Wellington City Council met with a large crowd at the regularly scheduled council meeting last week. Following the opening of the meeting, a public hearing was held on the proposed property tax levy increase for the 2017 year.
The proposed property tax increase would raise the Wellington City tax on a $105,000 residence from $111.46 to $161.30, or $49.84 per year. The proposed property tax increase on a $105,000 business would increase from $202.65 to $292.37, or $90.62 per year.
Many came forward during the public hearing to voice their concerns on the proposed tax increase. The point was brought to the attention of the council that several Wellington residents are on a fixed income, making it difficult to pay the proposed increase. Another concerned citizen questioned how the money would benefit the city.
City recorder Glenna Etzel explained the extreme need to hire another position in the public works department as well as the need for improvements to a city building that was formerly being rented by Head Start. The building is in need of improvements before another renter can move in, and the city cannot afford to leave it vacant. Mayor Joan Powell explained the need to look to the future, as budget cuts will be happening in the next five years from state money that the city is currently receiving.
The city council also pointed out that there has not been a city property tax increase in several years, and the only city in Carbon County that pays less in property taxes than Wellington is Scofield.
After the public hearing ended, the council debated during the meeting about the proposed tax raise. The motion carried to approve the property tax levy for the 2017 year. This tax increase will raise Wellington City’s tax budget revenue by 44.69% over last year’s budgeted revenue, excluding new growth.
You can view the entire Wellington City Council meeting from August 16 on ETV 10 from noon to 3 p.m.