ARLINGTON – The City Council did a solid for taxpayers when it voted not to seek an increase in property tax and EMS tax levy collections for 2020.

With the Nov. 18 decision, the city will keep its portion of the 2020 property tax collection from existing homes and businesses at the current level.

“It was determined that revenues from other sources would be sufficient that we didn’t necessarily need to ask for the one percent increase” state law allows local jurisdictions, Finance director Kristin Garcia.

New construction value that will be added to the tax rolls is expected to be about $34 million. The city gets revenue on new construction separate from the property tax levy. That is estimated to be $52,000.

Assessed valuation citywide for all property is expected to rise about 9%.

Mayor Barb Tolbert said, “Our financial plan is working well and we can pass the savings in terms of tax relief to our residents and businesses,” Mayor Barb Tolbert said.