Marshall Council Approves New Budget and Higher Property Tax Rate
BREAKING: The Marshall City Council has just approved a new property tax rate of 58.15 cents per $100 valuation for the fiscal year 2025-26, a slight increase from last year’s 57.9 cents. This decision comes alongside a new budget totaling $50.86 million, which includes 3% raises for city employees and significant investments in the police department.
This budget is projected to generate an additional $768,357 in property tax revenue, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Officials noted that new property added to the tax roll will contribute $74,840 to this revenue boost. Assistant City Manager Alex Agnor reported that Marshall’s taxable values have surged by approximately $125 million, rising from $1.434 billion to $1.559 billion this fiscal year, substantially aiding the increased tax revenue.
City Manager Melissa Vossmer emphasized that the new budget supports a five-year capital improvement plan to address critical city needs. In her address to the council, she stated, “The purpose of this approach is to ensure that decisions made today are financially sustainable in the future.”
The budget also prioritizes employee investment, with new compensation opportunities for staff, including bilingual pay and on-call pay for frontline positions. Vossmer highlighted the importance of supporting the city’s workforce, stating, “Investing in our staff continues to be a priority.”
Notably, the budget allocates $12,500 for the purchase of two new DSL cameras for the police department’s crime scene unit, along with funding for new SWAT gear and protective equipment replacements. For the first time in years, the capital improvement program includes a substantial contribution to street maintenance of $600,000 annually, demonstrating a renewed focus on infrastructure.
Additionally, $400,000 is earmarked to kick-start the implementation of a strategic road map plan aimed at enhancing the city’s technology. “Improving the city’s infrastructure requires making significant investments in streets, water, wastewater, fire services, technology, parks, and developing a five-year plan to fund major construction projects across the city,” Vossmer previously mentioned.
Following the budget’s approval, District 5 Councilwoman Reba Godfrey expressed gratitude towards the city staff and Vossmer for their diligent work. Vossmer acknowledged the leadership of interim Budget Manager Julie Richards and the collaborative effort from all department directors, stating, “This budget represents thousands and thousands of hours from staff, getting their departments ready.”
Vossmer assured residents that the budget is right-sized to meet the city’s needs without reducing services. “With continued investments in our organization, infrastructure, and community, I am confident that this budget will position the city of Marshall to be successful in the future,” she declared.
As the city gears up for implementation, residents are encouraged to stay informed about how these changes will impact their community. The council’s decision reflects a commitment to transparency and long-term planning for Marshall’s growth and development.
