Aldermen vote for millage increase

City leaders hope increase in funding will improve city coffers

After holding several budget workshops, the Louisville Board of Aldermen in its September 1 meeting voted to raise the millage 5.37 mills.

"We have to be in a position to address emergency situations and do more than just trying to survive," said Mayor Will Hill outlining the need for the increase.

The proposed millage rate for 2009-2010 budget would be 19 mills plus one mil for the cemetery. The total millage rate for the city would be 20 mils.

The proposed increase in the millage rate of 5.37 mills is expected to generate $186,000 of revenue for the city. For a home valued at $100,000, the increase would cost the taxpayer $53.70 a year. According to the city data, the average residential property of Louisville is valued at $87,000 which means the average homeowner can expect about $3.80 monthly increase in taxes.

"The citizens expect us to keep the community running," said Alderwoman Judy McLeod.

Aldermen Richard Caperton concurred noting, "We have to have police and fire protection. Also, the streets are in bad shape."

Even with the increase in millage, the city leaders budgeted for cuts in many departments.

"Even with the increase (in millage), we will continue to operate conservatively and continue to cut in areas that need it," said Mayor Hill.

Budget cuts were prominent for the general city government funds which were budgeted with a $60,000 decrease compared to the previous year. The Parks and Recreation budget was cut $16,000 from $264,860 to $248,245. The Animal Control budget was cut from $78,805 to $50,020.

Mayor Will Hill pointed out that the millage increase for the city still reflects one of the lowest in the state for municipalities especially for the services provided and size of the community. According to a 2007-08 schedule of millage rates, Noxapater had a 22.5 millage rate while other nearby communities like Ackerman carries a 50 millage rate and Sturgis carries a 42 millage rate. Starkville's millage rate is 16.15.

Hill and the aldermen noted that the increase in millage would offset sales tax losses and possible build a surplus of funding for future projects.

Sales tax revenue fell this past year and city leaders in the budget projected a $30,000 decrease sales tax revenues for next year.

"I hope people would spend their money at home (in Louisville) and help their community," said Aldermen Caperton in an earlier meeting.

The aldermen also discussed that some residents would be concerned about the proposed increase to the millage rate.

Aldermen Caperton before affirming the tax increase discussed the 16.9 percent unemployment in the area and the effects of the economy on the citizens.

"This is not a popular choice but something we have to do," said Alderwoman Francis Ball.

In other business, the city leaders:

¥ Found property at 148 Baremore as unclean and requested owners clean up in 30 days.

¥ Discussed Crimestopper assessment on fines and use of the $1 assessment. Alderwoman McLeod questioned if the city of Louisville was receiving the value from those payments. Police Chief L.M. Claiborne noted that two crimes would soon be featured by the group to help on the cases. "It is kind of like insurance. It is nice to have when you need it. We just don't need it that often," said Chief Claiborne.

¥ Approved Blue Cross/BlueShield insurance for upcoming year which had a 10 percent increase in premiums with a $24,000 increase to the city and a small increase to each employee plan.

¥ Approved a proclamation honoring Louisville Fortnightly Club for 100 years of service.

¥ Setup to unclean property hearings.

¥ Approved the docket of claims

¥ Approve $20,697 grant payment for work on airport to two separate entities.

¥ Approve final quarterly payments for Ivy property where future soccer fields are to be created.

¥ Approve collection of tax agreements with county and school.

¥ Approve public notice of Flood Plain Action to receive CDBG and CAP loan funds for Louisville Utility project for upgrade and repairs to South lagoon.

¥ Provide names of volunteers for the Citizens Corps training.

The next regular aldermen meeting is September 15 at 6 p.m.