Tax Rate Going Up for Charles City Property Owners, But Not As Much As Expected

Charles City property owners will pay a higher tax rate come July 1st. But not as much as originally proposed.

City Administrator Steve Diers told the City Council during their regular meeting Monday night that the City was able to shave a little off the total tax levy rate for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

However, Diers says the City will bring in about $75,000 less in total revenue next fiscal year due to a decrease in taxable valuations for the City, a result of state rollbacks.

The most notable adjustment in the budget, while limiting impacts on services the City provides, has been the change from four full-time firefighters to just the Fire Chief and one firefighter on the payroll. The fire department will rely on volunteers to round out firefighting efforts.