Johnston City Council Hosts Public Hearing on 2014 Budget Tonight

Johnston residents will have a better picture of their property tax rate tonight.

The Johnston City Council will host a public hearing on the 2013-14 budget at 7 p.m. at city hall.

The proposed property tax rate is 14 cents lower than last year, but a change in the state 'rollback' - a portion of property that is taxed- means property owners will still pay more.

In February, the council directed staff to publicize a tax rate of $11.15 per $1,000 in assessed valuation. The rate is less than last year's rate of $11.29 per $1,000 in assessed valuation.

A residential property valued at $200,000 - the median value in Johnston - could expect a $36 increase for the city portion of property taxes.

Tonight's meeting also includes:

• Consideration of a resolution for a 66,000 square-foot expansion to ChildServe
• Consider the collective bargaining agreement and contract between the city of Johnston and Teamsters Local Union No. 238.

The council meets at 6 p.m. for a work session, followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.