The cost of living in Muscatine will probably change very little next year, thanks to small increases in property values and a stable tax rate. As the city council discusses next year's budget, city staff is recommending no change in the tax rate - for the 9th year in a row.
City Spokesman Kevin Jenison says it's been at 15-dollars and 67-cents per 1,000 dollars taxable value since 2013. And credit for that goes to Muscatine department heads and their staffs.
"We've been able to maintain, and in some regards we've been able to expand, especially in the areas of the services we provide - a little more in road repair - I think that's the number one issue in this community."
Muscatine has also been able to keep its staffing levels steady, filling openings when they occur. Currently 230 people work for the city and Jenison says the proposed budget for next year includes money to hire more police officers and firefighters.
One other variable is revenue from red light cameras, now estimated at 500,000 dollars next year. But the Iowa legislature may further restrict their use, and the revenue they generate, for Muscatine.
Local governments in Iowa must submit their proposed budgets to the state by the end of March.
