Danville residents would see a 4.98 percent increase in property taxes next year under a proposal that Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. wants considered. But Williams claims it would not have a large impact on real estate tax bills….
Williams added he does not want to raise taxes or fees anymore than anyone else, but says it’s necessary. His proposal also recommends a 10-percent hike in the Public Safety Pension Fee, and requires $410-thousand dollars in reductions or new revenues from the General Fund.
Alderman Dan Duncheon opposes the idea of raising taxes….
Alderman Steve Nichols says he is seriously concerned about the flight out of this city as citizens move to avoid higher taxes and fees. And he adds that impact is being felt in parts of Danville where it was not being noticed before. And Nichols believes fewer dollars should be earmarked for the police and fire pension fund than what is being recommended by an actuary….
Alderwoman Sharon McMahon said perhaps the Danville Public Library should be asked to help. The library wants a 3.6 percent increase in its funding next year, but McMahon says it’s time the library bite the bullet a little, too.
Although the city council must act on the new tax levy next month, aldermen are expected to continue discussions on ways to raise new revenues well into next year. One idea that was floated at a meeting of the Danville City Council’s Public Services Committee Tuesday night was a possible 5-percent tax on video poker machines. Alderman Tom Stone says he is not sure why those machines were not taxed long ago.
