MORAN — A decrease in assessed valuation led to Moran council members approving an increase in the town’s property tax levy to support its 2015 budget Monday evening.
Valuation dropped by more than $55,000, from this year’s $1,558,115 to $1,502,728. The reason for the decrease was not immediately clear. The figures for the decreased valuation come from the Allen County appraiser’s office.
Phil Jarred, Moran’s accountant, said the property tax levy will be increased by just under 3 mills, from 30.598 to 33.427. The increase will keep the city’s budget at about equal funding levels between fiscal years 2014 and 2015. About $50,000 will be raised from the tax increase of which $38,000 will go to the general fund.
Individual taxpayers will see a slight increase in their tax bills. Jarred estimated on a house with a market valuation of $50,000, the tax increase would be about $4 for the 2015 budget.
A levy of 1 mill raises $1 for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. Residential property assessment is figured at 11.5 percent of market value.
Moran’s general fund expenditures were put at $256,161, an increase of about $40,000 over this year. More than half of that increase is found in general government, $6,000; police department, $6,500; and recreation, $10,000, with most of that pegged for new playground equipment. Another $12,000 increase is for fire equipment, putting the projected expenditure for 2015 at $17,000.
The overall budget calls for net expenditures of $1.43 million, up $415,000 from this year. However, that is distorted by electric costs — recovered by pass-through charges — that are expected to increase by about $265,000.
A hearing on the budget is scheduled for the beginning of the council’s Aug. 4 meeting, at 7 p.m.
COUNCIL members put off completing a contract with LaHarpe Communications to place an antenna on its water tower to provide Internet service.
David Lee, of LaHarpe Communications, read through a proposed contract, and asked for an executive session to discuss particulars. When that was denied because Moran’s attorney, Bret Heim was not present, he asked to put off a decision and give him time to “iron a few details” with Heim.
The contract has been hanging for several months.
Mayor Phillip Merkel reported discussions were continuing for consolidation of Moran and Marmaton and Osage township fire departments.
“We’re getting close,” he said.
After a lengthy discussion about purchase of a digital sign to convey community information, which would be placed along the town’s main street, Councilman Jim Mueller suggested “we put it off until Aug. 4,” to give time for public input.
Several signs were considered, ranging to more than $9,000.
“If we’re going to spend $10,000 (which council members thought probably would occur with freight and amenities) we should put it in the budget,” Mueller said, rather than draw money from capital reserves.
