Final changes made to Jboro city budget

City officials have decided to lower the city tax rate from $1.20 to $1.14 for the Proposed 2020-21 budget.

City Manager Mike Smith had said the city could operate at both $1.14 and/or $1.16 per $100 valuation, the $1.14 actually bringing in $30,000 more money because if the city would go with the $1.14 the $1 million in added rolls ver the last year could not be considered.

The budget is balanced with an estimated four percent cut across the board from department heads and also a slight cut in revenue as well. Smith said the city will be working with the same estimated sales tax revenue as the year at approximately $850,000.

The city will be entering into three year lease agreements from a curb sweeper/broom and a new water truck with an interest rate at just more than three percent. Alderman Craig Fenter said anytime you can lower taxes it could be a “big bang” for the local economy.

No one spoke at a public hearing o both the budget tax rate. Those are scheduled Monday Aug. 17 and Aug. 25 at 5:30p.m. Final approval is planned after the public hearings on Aug. 24.