Monterey’s 3-Cent Property Tax Increase Workable

Monterey Alderman Bill Wiggins believes a three-cent property tax increase provides department heads with needed resources without imposing a dramatic impact on residents.

Wiggins said Monterey’s property tax has been $1.36 for as long as he can remember. He believes three cents is a modest increase, especially compared to earlier versions of the budget that the board considered.

“Oh my gosh, we were looking at eighteen-something cents or even more, and we just paired it back,” Wiggins said. “It’s still a workable budget. We’re going to be able to meet all of the needs, but inflation does hit here too.”

Wiggins said the board had to make difficult decisions and cut projects that would have been positives for the city, but a minimal tax increase feels like a win. He said after weeks of discussion, he is confident that city departments will have enough to work with.

The city passed its budget on second reading last week. A third and final reading set for June.