Budget includes an average 3 percent hike
Jay’s residents will pay an average of 3 percent more this year in property taxes after the Jay Town Council approved both the rolled-back millage rate and the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 budget at its meeting Monday night.
The town of Jay’s gross taxable value for operating purposes has been certified at $54,183,005.
The FY 2023-2024 operating millage rate is 3.8 mills, which is greater than the rolled back rate of 3.6755 mills by 3.387 percent.
Jay Utilities Manager Eric Seib said the average homeowner will pay an average of 3 percent more on his property across the board due to increased overall property value in the town.
“I just want to be certain we are clear is that we are not increasing our millage rate,” said Mayor Shon Owens. “It is staying the same.”
Councilwoman Jane Hayes further explained that because the increase of property value, the roll back rate has changed.
“But that’s nothing that the town has increased,” said Owens.
Seib read the resolution aloud.
Councilwoman Hayes made the motion to approve and Owens seconded it. The resolution passed unanimously.
The council then approved a resolution to adopt the estimated $9,992,824 for appropriations and revenue for FY 2023 budget.
Councilwoman Hayes made the motion to accept, which was seconded by Mayor Owens and the motion carried.
“We’d like to reflect that this $9.9 million budget reflects the grant we are getting for both the community center and the (Bray-Hendricks) Park,” said Councilwoman Hayes.
“Which is about $6.5 million, give or take,” said Mayor Owens.
In other business, the council:
-Approved to pay a counter offer of $2,100 to a resident to obtain the right-of-way on State Street to widen the street and make it a more usable road for agriculture suppliers and farmers.
-Discussed putting add alternate(s) to its design plans with STOA Architects for an amphitheater and basketball court covers as part of its park renovation with plans to meet with the firm architects.
-Discussed subcontracting numerous projects for the community center upgrade to make it more economical rather than using a general contractor for all of it.
The next council meeting will be at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2, at town hall.
