Washington’s City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance setting the City’s budget and tax rate for 2019. The ordinance proposes a $12 million budget, with $4.9 million coming from property taxes. The remainder will come from fees and other sources. This would amount to a tax rate of $2.18 for each $100 of assessed valuation. However, these are not final figures. The figures will be submitted to the State. Last year, the request tax levy was cut but 1/3. Mayor Wellman expects the same this year.
In other business the Council… tabled a proposed ordinance dealing with rental mobile homes to make it more specific.
The Council also approved the transfer of funds in the Park Department and Street Department budgets. The Park Department will use $10,000 to repair damage to the City’s skate park. The Street Department will use $18,000 to replace the City’s 27 year old skip loader.
The Council also set 5 to 8:30 pm on Oct. 31, as the official Halloween times in the City.
At the end of the meeting Mayor Wellman announced the City of Washington had recently received the Community Partnership Award from P.A.C.E.