Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati says after several budget workshops, aldermen are nearly ready to give their final approval. The proposed rate would actually drop a fraction of a cent, while the levy for next year would increase nearly one per cent (.93%).
"The staff recommendation was higher, there was an alderman recommendation to go lower, and we have found a place in the middle that a majority are comfortable with in order to accomplish the goals we have set out for the city."
The owner of a 100,000 dollar home would pay an additional eight dollars to the city.
Thanks to a slight increase in property values in Moline, 1.1 per cent, and federal pandemic aid, she says the city will be able to pay for an "ambitious agenda," including filling 46 vacant positions, buying new equipment, road repairs, and making up for years of deferred maintenance.
"So for example, library and parks - we're getting them back to where they were after having their budgets cut over the last five years."
Rayapati says the proposed budget for Moline for next year also features no increase in utility fees.
