Tax rate, budget OK’d

Gateway District zoning restrictions, allowances discussed

The Canton City Council officially set the 2016 tax rate and approved the budget Sept. 8.

The tax rate will remain at $0.420332 with $0.170432 earmarked for maintenance and operation and $0.2499 designated for debt service.

Although the tax rate remains unchanged, it will generate 3.36 percent – or about $38,000 – more funds than in 2015. Of that increase, $23,217 was from new property on the tax rolls. The remainder comes from increased property valuations.

The budget – totaling close to $13 million – includes a total fund balance of $56,693.

“The city continues its commitment to making improvements to water and sewer infrastructure, streets and First Monday Grounds,” City Manager Lonny Cluck wrote in his cover letter accompanying the budget. “Continuing to find solutions to water supply needs is a top priority for council. In addition, completion of the new city hall is important. In order to be fiscally responsible, the city will make every effort to cut costs, improve its services and maintain its revenue stream by exercising prudent management and financial judgment and maintain transparency.”

The budget calls for $40,000 from First Monday revenue to be used for Canton Economic Development Corporation market funds, $60,000 for lease of the Deen RV property; $13,000 for the fireworks display and $75,000 for building and ground maintenance. 

First Monday funds will also be transferred to other city departments – $55,000 to sewer for capital projects; $300,000 to water for capital projects; $460,000 to the general fund for capital improvements, $86,870 for wastewater debt service; $145,825 for water debt service; and $227,000 for the general fund.

Budgets for the Canton Economic Development Corporation, Canton Visitors Bureau and Canton Main Street were also approved.

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