During their Tuesday work session, Manhattan City Commissioners continued their discussions of the 2024 budget.
The proposed general fund sits at approximately $45.3 million, an increase of nearly $6 million compared to last year’s budgeted amount. Assistant City Manager Jared Wasinger explained the greatest impacts on the budget.
Mayor Mark Hatesohl voiced concerns that the 2024 budget is over $16 million higher than the budget for 2021.
Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers said there are multiple contributing factors that make the three-year increase appear more significant.
Commissioner Wynn Butler said many people are still hoping for lower property taxes and asked Hilgers if there are any areas of the budget that could be trimmed down.
Butler suggested the city provide mill levy charts to help members of the public more clearly see changes in their property taxes.
During earlier budget discussions, the board elected to exceed the revenue neutral rate and decrease the mill levy from 52.154 to 50.470, representing a 6% city valuation increase.
A public hearing regarding the 2024 budget is scheduled for September 5th at 6:00 p.m.
