A slight increase in the county tax and ambulance service tax highlight this year's budget.
DeWitt County Board Chair David Newberg says the county tax rate is going up less than a half-cent. He thanks the county leaders and board members who have been very proactive in coming up with a good budget again for the taxpayers.
According to Newberg, the ambulance service is doubling their rate but he points out, they are still well below the max levy. Because of the tax increases, the County is hosting a truth in taxation hearing before the County Board meeting in November.
Both the County and the EMS face future increases thanks to the minimum wage mandates. Newberg adds expenses have increased since the tax rates were last adjusted.
Board member Nate Ennis cast the lone 'no' vote towards the budget and says he knew it would pass and indicates his no vote was a message to Springfield their mandates are hurting local taxpayers. He says things like the minimum wage and adjustments to the court system fines and fees are going to greatly impact local governments.
The budget will get voted on by the County Board in November ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and will be approved ahead of the November 30 deadline for the new fiscal year that starts December 1.
