FUTLONDALE, Ala. (WBRC) – Fultondale residents have the opportunity to vote on a property tax increase this week. City leaders believe the increase could improve safety and other municipal services. They estimate it will cost the average homeowner about $120 annually and would double the city’s mileage tax for the first time.
Councilman Jimmie Lay said the property tax increase will directly contribute to public safety and the improvement of recreational areas throughout the city. He stressed that the future of Fultondale depends on the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.
Lay asked residents, “How important is your city to you? It’s a really small investment in your city.”
He explained that an average home in Fultondale valued at about $227,000 would cost the average resident $9.48 per month.
If the property tax increase goes through, it is expected to cost residents a little less than $120 per year. Lay believes the increase would be an invaluable help to the community.
Lay said Fultondale has been transitioning from a volunteer to a paid fire department in recent years, a significant move that has increased the strain on the budget. Additionally, there is growing citizen interest in establishing a community center, with property taxes to support funding and staffing to operate the facility.
The increase would generate about $700,000 annually. Lay emphasized the need for this increase in light of upcoming changes in the city’s budget.
“The grant of about $400,000 that we received expires this year, which creates another gap in the budget. Currently, our city’s budget is heavily dependent on sales tax and housing, 79.4%. We want to shift the balance so that property tax plays a more significant role alongside sales tax and housing,” he explained.
Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
All rights reserved.
