Bartlett accepts budget; keeps tax rate
A half dozen public hearings on Bartlett’s budget-related ordinances drew no commenters to t he microphone Tuesday night, and the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen followed the silence by approving a $1.62 property-tax rate and budgets for the city and the newly formed Bartlett City Schools.
On final readings, the board unanimously adopted a $ 71.4 million i naugural budget for schools and a $ 67.1 mill ion city budget, and maintained its tax rate of $1.62 per $100 of assessed value.
Aldermen didn’t speak before their votes either. Mayor Keith McDonald and Alderman Emily Elliott both pointed out that the budget details had been discussed in numerous work sessions and special meetings before Tuesday night’s final vote.
McDonald’s administration noted throughout the budget review that the economic outlook has improved after dire times in recent years. Housing starts rose, and an uptick is predicted in sales tax revenues.
The city budget i ncludes a 2 percent pay increase for city employees and a net addition of five new positions. Public safety comprises $24.2 million of the city budget, or 36 percent of the expenditures. The utility fund and administration costs are next, each just over 10 percent of the budget.
Property taxes are the highest revenue producer, generating a projected $ 19. 5 million. Charges for city services make up $18.8 million in revenue, i ncluding $ 8.4 million from the utility fund. Local taxes are projected to bring in about $16 million.
The $ 7 1 . 4 million school budget allows the city to fund the first term of its municipal school district — a system projected to have about 8,400 students in 11 schools.
The bulk of the school budget goes to personnel costs for 800 employees.
Revenues to fund the school system will come from county taxes, about $ 33.4 million, and more than $36.4 million in state education funds.