Council votes to keep the millage rate at 5.6 mills
The Lincolnton City Council adopted the FY 2007 Budget and set the millage rate at a called meeting held Thursday, October 19, at City Hall.

Hearings on the budget took place on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17.

The $702,100 budget represents a $30,200 increase (4.5 percent) over the FY 2006 budget of $671,900.

"Although there was a slight increase in the budget, the millage rate will remain at 5.6 mills," stated Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff.

The budget includes: A five-percent pay raise for all city employees. The raises were given to bring salaries more in line with what other cities and counties pay, according to the mayor.

Traditionally, the city gives its employees a three-percent raise each year.

An increase in the premiums paid for Workmen's Compensation insurance.

An increase in the administrative budget which will be used to hire a full-time zoning/code enforcement employee.

In other comments, Mayor Biggerstaff noted that the percentage of the city's budget funded by property taxes is decreasing. "At this point, it's roughly 20 percent. We are relying more on sales tax revenues which have been on the rise. Also, our insurance premium tax refund will be a little more than we anticipated this year.

"We are pleased that funding has become less dependent on property taxes, and that we were able to keep the millage rate the same as last year," the mayor continued. "We always try not to burden property owners with higher taxes."

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.