The City of Baldwin is discussing its millage rate for the upcoming year, and the council is encouraging public input on the topic. The city has discussed leaving the millage at its current rate or entertaining a rollback. The rollback would reduce the millage rate to 6.793. The city’s current rate is 7.504.
Councilwoman Alice Venter expressed her feelings that the city is not in a position budget-wise to roll back its millage rate this year. She spoke at the city’s Aug. 12 meeting to share her opinion that the city has not always provided adequately for the city’s departments, or offered the best pay for the city’s employees.
“I don’t really like giving my money to Uncle Sam, but we’re not Uncle Sam, we are citizens that represent citizens and make sure that there are services that are provided to our citizens,” said Councilwoman Venter. “[…] I’ve always been an advocate of rolling back taxes and not being a burden on the homeowners; I feel that at this moment we don’t have the ability to do that. I feel like we’re just now getting to where we’re bringing everyone up to speed.”
Councilwoman Stephanie Almagno continued to advocate for bringing business to Baldwin to support the costs of the city’s infrastructure.
“It’s incumbent upon us to find other revenue streams,” Councilwoman Almagno said. “With a new comprehensive plan, we need to get working on finding new businesses to come into Baldwin to offset what homeowners are paying.”
Councilman Maarten Venter seemed reluctant to leave the millage rate at 7.504, despite his acknowledgment that the country may see increased inflation in the coming years, and that the city needed the funds to continue serving the citizens.
“I do not want to leave the millage rate as is,” Councilman Maarten Venter said. “My deep desire is to find a way to do a rollback, but I also know we need this money for the city in order to keep going.”
All council members agreed that they needed to hear from Baldwin’s citizens to make the right choice. They have encouraged the public to attend the city’s public hearings for the millage rate, which begin later this month, to share their views with the council.
“I implore the citizens, please, please, please come to all these meetings, and make your opinions heard,” Councilman Venter said. “[…] We need to hear from you.”
The city’s three public hearings are scheduled for Aug. 23, Sept. 7, and Sept. 13.
