City commissioners approve budget, tax rate

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The City of Slaton Commissioners approved the proposed operating budget for the fiscal year ending 2024 and the proposed 2023 property tax rate Monday evening (Sept. 11) during its monthly meeting.

These were passed after the second reading of the items.

The budget will raise more property taxes than last year’s budget by $108,710.54, or 7.54 percent and of that amount, $9,201.56 is revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year.

The tax rate will be set at $0.542443 per $100 valuation, which will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s rate. It will effectively be raised by 7.43 percent which will raise taxes for M&O on a $100,000 home by about $3.80.

The board also ratified the property tax rate increase reflected in the FYE 2024 operating budget.

The board also heard a presentation on the restoration of the 1809 Train engine from Dr. Robert Mamlock.

The board also approved the first reading of an ordinance repealing article 8.06, Division 2 of the Code of Ordinances regarding curfews.

City Manager Wade Willson said HB 1819 passed by State Legislature this session removed the ability for cities to have a curfew for juveniles. It took effect Sept. 1, and Willson said the City Attorney said it was better the rule was struck from the books.

For more information, including other items addressed by the council, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.