The Independence City Commission approves the 2027 budget.

 

At last night's meeting commissioners were asked to approve the budget for the coming year and exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate. City Finance Director Lacey Lies says, while the City is exceeding the RNR, next year's mill levy will actually decrease.

 

Commissioner Tim White says it took a lot of work to whittle down the 2027 budget.

 

Commissioner Scott Smith says the budget reflects a balance between the needs of the City and the needs of the taxpayer.

 

Mayor Dean Hayse says deep cuts to the budget are good in the short term, but they can't last.

 

One citizen spoke during the public hearing on the RNR, citing concern for taxpayers living on fixed incomes. Both the budget and the RNR passed on unanimous votes.