Small Town News

Preston 2010 budget approved on split vote

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A 2010 budget of $3,609,200 was approved by the Preston City Council last week on a 2-1 split vote.

Following a public hearing on the proposed spending plan on Aug. 31, Councilman Neal Larson said he was voting no on the budget, because it contained a tax increase.

"We have to draw the line somewhere with taxes," he said.

"There is a 3 percent tax increase factored into the 2010 budget," said officials. The city also took 3 percent increases in 2009 and 2008. By law, cities, counties and other taxing entities can increase property tax revenues by 3 percent annually.

But City Clerk Jerry Larsen explained that doesn't mean property taxes in the city will automatically increase by 3 percent. The exact increase depends on a variety of factors, such as valuations, mill levy rates and other factors. The budget is $134,500 more or .037 percent higher than last year's budget of $3,474,700.

The new budget will begin on Oct. 1. Officials said the city's general fund budget will be $1,281,200 or $80,600 more than the current general fund of $1,200,600. It is a .062 percent increase.

Preston resident Murray Nichols said he is concerned about city, county, state and federal taxation. "As a citizen I think it is important to show up at budget hearings. Hopefully the city is watching the budget carefully," he said.

Planning and Zoning member Todd Thomas asked a couple of questions regarding specific items in the budget to clarify in his mind how the process works.



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© 2009 Preston Citizen Preston, Idaho. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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