Property tax increase part of $1.4 proposed for Gallatin.
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Plans to address Gallatin’s deteriorating streets are taking shape. On May 27 the aldermen voted to place a property tax proposal, limited to 10 years, on the August ballot. If approved by a simple majority of voters, the property tax along with other revenue will be used to help finance a $1.4 million street improvement program to be accomplished in 2001.
The property tax increase being proposed is $1.40 per $100 of assessed valuation. City Administrator Jason Helton says the street tax will generate approximately $149,000 annually. If approved by voters, the property tax would be added to the existing street budget and another revenue source to service the debt.
The street improvements being proposed are comprehensive and would encompass nearly every road within the city limits. Those roads most heavily traveled would receive a 3-inch hot asphalt deck, similar to that recently applied on Highway 13 through Gallatin by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Sparsely traveled streets would receive a double chip and road oil seal; other streets would get a 2-inch hot asphalt deck.
A public informational meeting will be announced to present the project in detail, probably scheduled near the end of June.
Administrator Helton says the aldermen seriously looked at a half dozen different options to fund the street program. A half-cent sales tax was among the alternatives studied, but the board determined that the sales tax would not be adequate.
“We want to do street improvements the right way,” says Administrator Helton. “That’s going to take some money. With voter approval in a special municipal election this August, the property tax money would be collected beginning this December and actual construction could then begin next spring.”
Also during the May 27 meeting the board accepted the city administrator’s recommendation to contract with Midland Engineering Inc. to provide plans for the city’s sanitary sewer project. The aldermen also approved the purchase of a $2,095 recirculating pool vacuum for the swimming pool.
Alderman Bob Snidow presided over the May 27 meeting in the absence of Mayor L.B. Davis. Others attending were aldermen Larry Barnes, Norma Griffin and Shonna Morrison with Administrator Helton. Guests in attendance were Dan Lockridge and Edgar Muller.