Tax Rate Rollback Woodstock City Council Puts Residents First

At a time when inflation has impacted every American's buying power and home prices have skyrocketed, Woodstock residents owe our city council a big "thank you!" City of Woodstock is the only local government I know in the state that has chosen not to raise taxes by fully rolling back the millage rate this year. The city council has chosen to put families' financial health first, and this decision is a testament to its commitment to residents.

What is the "millage rate?" It's the local property tax rate calculated in "mills," one-thousandth of one dollar, which translates to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. When property values rise, as they've certainly done in Woodstock over the past year, and this rate is allowed to remain the same, it can lead to higher taxes for property owners. However, a full rollback means that the city council has actively chosen to reduce the rate to ensure that the government does not collect more taxes due to the increase in property values. Council members voted to lower the rate from 5.693 mills to 5.125 mills for the new fiscal year, which is down from 5.981 mills when I took office in January 2022 — that's a nearly 15% reduction in the tax rate for property owners.

This decision is more than just a financial calculation. It's a statement. It tells us that our city council recognizes the challenges that come with balancing a family budget, the importance of predictability in expenses, and the value of every dollar earned by our residents.

It's also a demonstration of the council's fiscal responsibility. The choice to forego additional tax revenue shows a commitment to managing the City's finances in a way that prioritizes the needs and well-being of Woodstock residents. It's impossible to fully roll back the rate every year, as the buying power of a dollar brought in by the City has been negatively impacted in the same way it has been for families. So, it's important that we recognize the impact of this decision.

To the members of the Woodstock City Council — thank you. Your vote to roll back the millage rate underscores your dedication to our community. It's a choice that reflects thoughtfulness, responsibility, and a genuine desire to serve.

As the 31st mayor of Woodstock, I'm proud to serve with a team of dedicated elected officials on our city council who consistently place families and stakeholders first. I am grateful to the hundreds of public servants who work for the City of Woodstock and will directly shoulder the burden of meeting the increasing calls for service amid continual growth, even while revenues for the coming year remain static. Above all, I am honored for the opportunity to serve my constituents in this role — thank you as always — and please join me in thanking the members of our city council for putting Woodstock's families first.