Council adopts 2019 levy

The city of Montgomery approved its 2019 property tax levy on Monday.

At first glance, the totals of $1.3 million for the general fund, and $297,000 for debt service that were approved, could seem inconsequential without the public hearing the council was required to have before the adoption.

During the hearing that found only mayor-elect Tom Eisert and this reporter in attendance, City Administrator Brian Heck covered goals and priorities, overview of the general fund budget and debt service, details on the levy and the status of the city’s reserve funds.

He reminded the council that it wanted to focus its spending next year on street rehabilitation, public safety, business expansion and retention, parks and trails, sidewalks and city facilities. To meet those priorities, he noted, a variety of methods would be used for 2019.

Funding of street improvements will be paid for through operating transfers from other departments, he noted. The council approved the transfer of $186,255 to the Street Improvement Fund from a closed fund from the 2015 Street Project.

The city will also provide funding for six full-time patrol officers and funds for facility improvement plans. He added that park improvements are also being implemented as well as a sidewalk plan.

See more in the print edition.