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The Jasper City Council during its annual truth in taxation hearing on Dec. 9 approved a 2026 property tax levy of $265,497.05, which is an increase of $18,523.05, or 7.5 percent. Council members also approved a general fund budget with projected expenditures of $688,800.33 and revenue of $681,500.55, which would leave a deficit of $7,299.78.
State statute requires that truth in taxation meetings be held and that the budget and levy be discussed and public input be allowed prior to the final budget and levy being approved. The only public input provided during the meeting was a request from Trinidad Garcia to see the proposed budgets for the city’s other funds. City staff provided the budgets for those funds, which showed the following:
•The water fund has projected expenditures of $65,703 and revenue of $94,535, which would leave a surplus of $28,832.
•The garbage fund has projected expenditures of $63,775 and revenue of $67,400, which would leave a surplus of $3,625.
•The ambulance fund has projected expenditures of $52,150 and revenue of $46,000, which would leave a deficit of $6,150.
•The fire department fund has projected expenditures of $44,119 and revenue of $24,849, which would leave a deficit of 19,270.
•The sewer fund has projected expenditures of $24,244 and revenue of $25,000, which would leave a surplus of $756.
In other business, the City Council during an emergency meeting on Dec. 11 adjusted its agreement with Convergint to install a camera system. Cameras and a server were removed from the original plan that was approved in November, bringing the cost to $30,000, according to City Clerk/Treasurer Renae Thode. The original quote that was approved in November was for $41,126.75. Cameras will be located at the City Park, Public Works shop, Memorial Hall, Quartziter Community Center and Jasper Emergency Services Building.