If final approval is confirmed by a city council vote in September, residents here will see an increase in property taxes. During Tuesday’s meeting of the city council, city administrator told those in attendance, that after budget workshops, the proposed tax rate is .5630 per $100 valuation. This is a near five-cent increase over last year’s rate of .5146. “What this means is that if a resident has a $100,000 home, they will pay an additional $50 per year in taxes,” said Early City Administrator Tony Aaron. “If they live in a $50,000 home, their taxes will go up by $25.”
Aaron said the sole purpose of the increase is for the renovation and remodel of the community center. “We have listened to the community and there has been a desire for a community center,” Aaron said. “Early has never had a focal point where we can display our community pride in our city.”
Social media postings and a past survey led the council to the realization of the importance of a community center, Aaron said. “This will be something for the entire community and since we don’t have that kind of money in the current budget, the community will be able to see what they are getting with the increase.” Aaron explained that the proposed tax rate increase will generate about $80,000 in new revenue which will cover the debt service on the new community center.
Residents will also experience a roughly $5 increase in their monthly water bills, which comes after an increase in rates set by the Brown County Water Improvement District, who provides water to the city.
In September, the council will also cast votes regarding the proposed budget. Highlights of next year’s budget includes:
• three percent raise for all employees
• $6.1 million in proposed revenues, a 9% increase over last year
• $5.6 million in expenditures, a 5% increase over last year. This increase includes the new tax rate
• street repairs including Blue Bonnet Rd and Old Comanche Rd and the recoating of Jenkins Springs Rd
• new vehicle for the police investigator and general equipment (spike strips and tactical vests) for the police department
• $60,000 in parks and recreation improvements
• providing roll out trash carts for residents
Aaron said working through a budget is a serious process. “We worked hard through this to find the best services as the lowest costs. We don’t take the needs of the taxpayers lightly.”

The next public hearing regarding the adoption of the budget and tax rate will be August 30. The final vote will take place September 13 at 6 p.m. at city hall.