Rock Island has nearly finished work on next year's budget. Tonight, the city council is expected to give its final approval to the 115 million dollar spending plan.
City Manager Randy Tweet says the proposed budget includes an increase of about 2% in the property tax levy, and an increase in the tax rate for property owners of 2.4%.
"That amounts to, well, the average home in Rock Island is around $100,000." said Tweet. "That amounts to $1.44 a month for a $100,000 home, that would be the increase for next year."
City officials remind Rock Island residents that the city's portion is just one quarter of their total property tax bill.
The proposed budget also includes small increases in sewer and storm water fees, and delays in street maintenance and vehicle purchases.
But even with all these changes, there is still a one-and-a-half million dollar deficit that the city will cover with gambling revenue and reserve funds.