A report in the Altoona Mirror indicates tha the city has unveiled its preliminary2024 budget, and it does contain a property tax increase. Last month, the proposed spending plan did not include a tax increase, but now it apparently does. The tax is to try and offset the loss of American Rescue Plan monies that the city has enjoyed for the past few years. A resident with a $100,000 assessed home, will have to pay another $50 for a median total of $563 in city taxes. This money should generate $1 million in tax revenue. Council says that if they wait until next year to impose the tax, the city will be looking at a million dollar deficit, and would fall behind in revenues. City officials say the proposed increase was not held back until after the election.
