Smithville City Council Sets Tax Rate for 2025

By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher

Join Kristen Meriwether, your friendly neighborhood publisher, as we dive into the heated Smithville City Council meeting that’s got everyone talking! 😱 Residents packed the chambers, pleading against tax hikes and new debt, but the Council voted for a 15% tax increase, $3M in new debt, and $175K for an economic development pro. 💸 Not all votes were unanimous, though—sparks flew with 3-2 split decisions! 🔥

In this video, we break down:
✅ The controversial tax rate hike to 67 cents per $100 valuation—what it means for YOUR wallet!
✅ The $3M tax note debate and why some council members pushed back.
✅ The truth behind last month’s “parade of residents” and whispers of an ethics probe. 👀
✅ How your $250K home’s tax bill jumps from $1,450 to $1,675. 📈

Plus, get the inside scoop on Council Members Mitch Jameson and Brandon Dunham’s fight to stick to budget priorities. Stay tuned for Part 2 (Economic Development) and Part 3 (New Fees & On-Demand Leaf Service)! 🍂

🎉 Shoutout to Public Works Director Edward Balusek for spending his 50th birthday in a 6.5-hour budget marathon! 🥳

🗳️ Don’t miss the final budget hearing on Sept 3 at 5PM in Council Chambers. Be there, Smithville!

State Rep. Stan Gerdes, who lives and represents Smithville, released a statement about the 15% tax rate increase on Thursday. You can read it here.