City’s ‘21-22 budget has slight tax increase

    City officials will consider a 2021-22 budget next week that has a $14,944 increase in tax askings, and, thanks to increased valuation, a 2.8% drop in the levy.
    The ‘21-22 budget hearing is the first item of business on next week’s meeting agenda, on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. in the library.
    Next year’s budget is asking for $1,251,184 in property taxes (includes bonds and all operating funds), which is up 1.2% from the ‘20-21 tax request that totaled $1,236,240.
    A city property valuation increase of more than $7 million in 2021 was a big factor in the proposed levy drop in the budget, said City Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland.
    According to figures received from the assessor, Leyland said Imperial’s valuation rose from $177,354,525 in 2020 to $184,760,626.
    That’s a valuation increase of $7,406,101.
    Included in the budget are salary increases, which Leyland said are generally 3% across the board, including department superintendents.
    She noted Public Works Supt. Pat Davison upped some of his employee per-hour rates more than 3% to compete with other entities and what they are paying.
    If the council approves the budget as proposed, the ‘21-22 levy will drop from .6970 to .6772.
    The first-of-the-month meeting normally on Monday was moved to Tuesday next week due to Labor Day.
Other agenda items
    As of Wednesday, there were a few more agenda items the council will consider Tuesday night.
    They include considering a concrete pad for the police K9 dog at the officer’s home, a parade resolution for the Dec. 18 Chamber Christmas parade and a report on roof leaks causing city office damage.