Saline County Commission Sets Proposed Mill Levy at 42.142, Above Revenue Neutral Rate

The Saline County Commission approved publishing a proposed 2027 mill levy of 42.142 mills, a 2% increase over the current year's levy, County Administrator Matt Stiles told commissioners during a budget presentation.

According to Stiles, the revenue neutral rate would be 38.724 mills. Reaching that rate would require reducing spending or adding revenue of about three and a half mills, or roughly $2.6 million. Under the proposed rate, Stiles said the median homeowner with an approximately $200,000 house would pay about $969.27, an increase of $13.13 over the current year.

Stiles recommended publishing at the higher rate because, once published, the commission cannot exceed that amount but can lower it before final adoption. "It gives you the most flexibility," he said, adding that the county is heavily dependent on property taxes.

The commission voted to approve the notification and set a combined revenue neutral and budget rate hearing. Stiles recommended the hearing be held September 1 at 9 a.m. Commissioners noted they had followed a similar approach last year and were later able to reduce the rate.

Stiles described overall economic conditions in the county as positive, citing a 3.3% unemployment rate and consistent assessed valuation growth averaging about 3% per year. He said total projected spending authority is approximately $67 million.