The Clearwater City Council Monday approved the 2017 final tex levy in the amount of $999,852.
That represents a 4.58% increase over the 2016 levy of $956,060.
The city’s general fund saw a drop from $642,194 to $515,529. That was due mainly to a revision in the way the city’s funds are being listed.
In 2017, the city is using funds for a capital levy that were formerly listed in the general fund. The capital levy for 2017 is $150,000.
The fire levy also saw a decrease from $64,396 to $45,940. Again, that change was due to a debt service levy of $39,376 being transferred from the fire levy to debt service.
The two biggest line item expenditures in 2017 will be streets ($227,894) and police protection ($207,396).
Vicki Holthaus said because of an increase in tax capacity, the tax rate is projected to decrease from 75.79% to 75.10%.
The 2017 tax capacity is estimated at $1,331,336 compared to $1,261,463 in 2016.
With the 4.58% levy increase, a homestead home valued at $78,100 will see just an $8 tax hike in 2017.
A median priced home ($138,400) will see an $18 hike.
A commercial property valued at $500,000 will see its taxes increase from $7,011 to $7,206.
Fee Schedule
The other main costs to city residents in 2017 will be utility charges.
Members of the council discussed at length options for increasing water and sewer rates, but tabled a decision until January.
The fee schedule that was approved Monday saw no changes from current water and sewer rates.
Until rates are changed, sewer base fees for residential and commercial properties are $28.65 per month. Residents pay $9.50 per 1,000 gallons. Commercial properties pay $13.52 per 1,000 gallons.
The base fee for water in $5 per month, with $1.30 per 1,000 gallons up to 9,999 gallons, and $1.80 per gallon for usage over 9,999 gallons.
Water access and sewer access charges (WAC & SAC) remain at $1,975.71 and $5,607 respectively.
