Bollinger County approves tax rates; Marble Hill rates on hold

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Bollinger County commissioners approved the 2009 real estate and personal property tax rates Tuesday morning. Monday night the Marble Hill board of aldermen considered the tax rates for the city but were unable to approve them.

The rates for both city and county are established by the state auditor's office following a formula based on the assessed valuation and the consumer price index, among other factors. The auditor's office then sends to cities and counties their calculated tax rates.

"We can reject the rates," said Marble Hill administrative assistant Gary Shrum, "but if we do, we stand to lose over $100,000 in revenue."

The tax rate was set at 0.4988 per $100 assessed valuation for general revenue and 0.1244 for city parks. The tax rate is about a penny higher than last year's, Shrum said.

Aldermen James Sear and Tim McCain voted to approve the rates. Alderman Clint Lacy voted no. Alderman Joel Southwick was not present. Mayor Russell Masterson said the matter will be set aside until a later meeting. City clerk Carla Watt said Tuesday she is trying to set up a meeting for Thursday.

Tax rates must be approved in enough time for the tax bills to be mailed out by Nov. 1.

County rates have remained about the same as 2008, according to County Clerk Diane Holzum. The Road and Bridge fund, health unit and sheltered workshop funds went up about two-tenths of a cent; the rest remain as they were.

County general revenue will be taxed at a rate of 0.20 per $100 assessed valuation, which includes a 15-cent rollback to accommodate sales tax receipts. Road and bridge will be taxed at 0.2499; the health department at 0.2400, library, 0.20, sheltered workshop at 0.10 and ambulance at 0.1999.

Projected revenue for the general fund is $217,870; road and bridge, $272,228; health department, $261,444; library, $217,870; sheltered workshop, $108,935, and ambulance, $217,761.