How Much Are You Willing To Pay in City Taxes? Tell the Johnston City Council Tonight

The amount of taxes Johnston residents will pay next year should be in better focus after a public hearing on the tonight.

In February, the Johnston City Council created a budget with a tax levy of $11.29 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, a 20-cent increase on the current levy.

The increased tax levy took into account a decrease in assessed valuation and an increase because of the voter-approved $14 million public safety referendum in August.

The budget includes:

• Money to hire three additional firefighters to begin staffing the second fire station that is scheduled to open in January 2013.
• Money to hire an additional police officer who will provide increased patrol presence throughout the community.
• Reductions in the operating budget totaling $569,727, including cuts to travel, training, office supplies, equipment across all departments, and the elimination of one full-time, currently vacant, position in the city administrator's office.

The council will hear public input during a hearing beginning at 7 p.m. at .

The proposed tax rate has been officially published and can not be raised further for the 2013 fiscal year. However, the rate can be lowered. 

The council will also hold a public hearing for the proposed storm water utility during the 7 p.m. meeting. Read about this issue .