July 10, 2000 tax rate hearing

A public hearing was held in the LaGrange City Council chambers regarding the tax rate for the City of LaGrange. Mayor Ludwig open the floor for any discussion on the rate of.89 cents per $100 valuation. Mayor Ludwig stated the last raise in City taxes was May of 1996. The City of LaGrange has one of the lowest tax rates in the County. Quincy Herald Whig reporter Ed Husar asked what dollar amount this would raise for the City. Mayor Ludwig stated $54,604.66. Husar asked what dollar amount in taxes would the Casino raise. Mayor Ludwig stated that would depend on if the City ever get a Casino. As far as a figure, he did not know how the Casino would be evaluated. Dan Steinbach from Press News Journal asked if there was going to be an increase in the taxes. Mayor Ludwig stated no. The only reason a person would see an increase on their taxes from the City would be if the County had re-assessed them. Mayor Ludwig stated the Council has felt if the City can operate on the present taxes there was no need to have an increase. And if the Casino is built there would not be a need to increase any taxes. Amy Winter asked how the taxes were divided. Mayor Ludwig stated a percentage goes to the General Fund, Cemetery Fund and Street Fund. Winter asked about the trash. Mayor Ludwig stated that the City was only a collection agent for BFI. Husar asked if the City was going to increase the Police Dept., would there be a need to increase taxes. Mayor Ludwig stated no, since Chief Baker and myself went to Caurthersville they were told that 20% of the money received from the Casino HAD to be ear marked for Public Safety. This would also include street repairs, sidewalk replacement, fire dept., lighting and the Police Dept.

Mayor Ludwig stated if there were no further question from the floor regarding the City tax rate he would declare the public hearing closed.