×

Property tax rate won’t increase

Fort Dodge City Council adopts sensible 2018-2019 budget

The American economy is booming. At last, Americans who have experienced a long period without much growth in their incomes are seeing signs that the future will be better. Even so, for many years most middle class Iowans have found it necessary to live quite frugally.

Here and in most other communities there is not much appetite for higher taxes. That’s why at all levels of government policymakers are being asked to eliminate waste and improve efficiency rather than turn to the taxpayers for more revenue.

Consequently, the budget 2018-2019 budget for Fort Dodge that was adopted Monday by the City Council deserves strong praise. For the third consecutive year, the council has managed to keep the property tax rate constant at $20.42 per $1,000 of taxable value.

The nearly $97 million budget has been carefully crafted to meet the town’s needs appropriately. That it accomplishes this while not asking for a higher tax rate is very good news.

That’s a result this newspaper strongly endorses. The Messenger commends the mayor and members of the City Council for a job well done.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today