The Montgomery County Commission discusses a 14% tax increase for 2027 and hears citizen comments on the issue.

 

At this week’s meeting, the County followed its legal obligation to notify the County Clerk of  the intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for next year’s budget. The current mill levy is 39.948 but will be increased to 46 mills. County Administrator Jonathan Booe says the final increase will likely be less than 46.

 

The 2027 budget as it currently stands would be 44.676 or a 14% increase in property taxes. According to Booe, the County began work on the 2027 budget at 52 mills. He says commissioners have already made several cuts.

 

Commissioner Robert Bever stated that a lot of the budget is taken up by items required by the state such as court services and the housing of inmates at the County Jail. Bever says the budget can be lower, but that would mean a cut in services such as road repair.

 

Many Montgomery County  citizens attended this week’s meeting and spoke against the tax increase during a ninety-minute long public comment session.

 

To view this commission meeting, follow this link.

 

Booe’s discussion with commissioners begins around 11:00 mark and lasts around 30 minutes

 

Public comments begin at approximately the 54:45 mark and last about 90 minutes. Several public comments are about data centers, which the Commission plans to discuss at next week’s meeting.