DEAR WAYNEDALE READERS
It’s budget time in city government as recently we announced the proposed 2007 civil city budget. We have proposed a balanced budget that features the lowest city property tax rate since 1964. The city tax rate is estimated to drop 21% from 2006. The owner of a $100,000 home would see an estimated 34% net reduction in city property taxes. The estimated city property taxes on a $100,000 home are expected to drop from $377 to $249, resulting in $128 savings for the taxpayer.
We are working to reduce the tax burden on taxpayers while providing excellent services to residents. We appreciate the bipartisanship approach with City Council to be fiscally responsible and maintain a disciplined budget that meets the needs of our growing community.
The total 2007 proposed property tax supported budget is $143.1 million, an increase of 8.2% from the approved 2006 budget. The increase in the budget is largely due to additional public safety personnel, group insurance increases, federal grant reductions, and increased energy costs. The total budget is $172.7 million.
At a time when we face unfunded liabilities, increased service areas and rising energy costs, we are still maintaining record levels of service. The City of Fort Wayne is positioned to retain and gain jobs with innovative practices to protect taxpayers and reduce costs.
Additional budget highlights include no increases in non-public safety personnel, a request for 20 new police officers, fuel and natural gas prices are projected to increase by 45%, and the City’s contribution to group health insurance is projected to increase by 10%
City Council is reviewing the budget with an anticipated passage before the end of September.
Graham Richard
Mayor
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