Council approves millage rate increase following contentious debate
The council passed the second reading of an ordinance to set the fiscal year 2024/2025 millage rate, which included an amendment to increase the rate by 3 mills. The amendment was approved by a 3-2 vote, with supporters citing the need to fund county operations and law enforcement, while dissenting members expressed concerns regarding the tax burden on residents.
Amendment to FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 3 · No 2
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PASSED For 3 · Against 2. This amendment increases the millage rate by 3 mills
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Honorary Proclamation for F.E. Pete James:
Unanimous · 5-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Amendment to FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Taxes & budget
Yes 3 · No 2
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PASSED For 3 · Against 2. This amendment increases the millage rate by 3 mills
CASE 24-11 Unified Code Amendment regarding Gun Clubs and Skeet Shooting Ranges (3rd Reading):
DevelopmentRoads
Yes 3 · No 2
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PASSED For 3 · Against 2. The ordinance was amended prior to the final vote to limit the scope of permitted zoning districts and exclude specific off-street parking requirements for these facilities
Addendum to Employer Resolution for State Insurance Benefits Participation:
Unanimous · 5-0
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detailsless
PASSED (Unanimous)
Selection of W K Dickson as Airport Engineer:
Unanimous · 5-0
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PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Routine Business: The council adopted the agenda, approved the minutes from the May 28, 2024, meeting, entered and exited executive session to discuss an enforcement action issue, and adjourned the meeting.
- Administrator's Briefing: The County Administrator provided updates on the ongoing wastewater expansion project, the status of the boat ramp survey, and value engineering adjustments for the Woodward Park turn lane.
- Council Member Briefings: Council members congratulated F.E. Pete James on his honorary recognition and noted local participation in Boys State. Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr. invited the public to a mural reveal at the Arts Center on June 27. Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones addressed political tensions surrounding his re-election campaign and expressed his stance on maintaining meeting decorum.
Public comment ▸ showhide
One resident, Tom Webb III, spoke during the public comment period. He discussed the history of the D-Day invasion and shared concerns regarding the county's adherence to ordinances and the preservation of constitutional freedoms.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- The third and final reading of the FY2024/2025 Millage Ordinance is scheduled for the next council meeting.
- The council is expected to further address the split of the Sheriff's budget during the upcoming budget discussions on June 25, 2024.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.