Platte
City tax rate goes up;
trash rates adjusted
by
Shana Haines
Landmark reporter
Platte City Board of Aldermen approved a two cent tax
rate increase Tuesday night during its regular meeting.
The increase is designed to provide for a balanced general
fund budget.
During a budget workshop recently, aldermen heard the
general levy combined with other general fund operating
revenues is not adequate to cover the anticipated operating
expenditures of the general fund. It was lacking by about
$16,000.
The increased tax rate amounts to a $7.60 increase in
property taxes paid on a home with a value of $100,000.
Prior to the increase the tax rate was set at $1 per
$100 of assessed valuation.
Tax rates may have increased in Platte City, but some
commercial customers will be paying less for refuse service.
Aldermen passed a decrease in the commercial curbside
trash rate from $25.05 to $24.50 per month. However, the
price for dumpster tipping fees were increased from $10
to $11.50 per tip.
It is estimated $162,000 would be generated in revenue
for the increase in order to cover dumpster service costs.
The cost changes will be reflected on November's billing.
The board also approved an increase in deposit requirements
for water service in the city.
The deposit fee was increased to $100 for residential
and commercial customers.
Increases in liquor license and report reproduction fees
were also approved by aldermen.
Prior to the increase, liquor license and report reproduction
fees were $5 and $2. According to Joseph McHale, chief
of police, the fees were not close to covering city employee's
time, copying fees and background investigations.
During Tuesday's meeting the fees were increased to $15
for a liquor license and a $10 fee for reports.
The fee hike will take place Nov. 4.
The original recommendation was to increase the liquor
card fee to $20.
During the meeting Alderman Shelle Browning voiced concerns
that a $20 fee was too high for a liquor card.
Browning said usually those purchasing liquor cards are
lower income individuals and a $20 fee increase would
be a great burden to them.
"I have a hard time thinking we need to quadruple
our liquor license," Browning said.
McHale said a $15 fee would cover the expenses involved
in processing a liquor card.
A lease agreement between Holy Trinity Church and Platte
City for space at the Platte City Civic Center was approved.
Terms for the lease are for three months commencing Sept.
1. Monthly rent payments are $240 for September and October
and $300 for November.
The agreement is designated for the gymnasium of the
Civic Center located at 308 Zed Martin Street.
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