Village of Wilson tax rate set to increase

Apr. 2—WILSON — The village board adopted a 2024-2025 village budget for that's driving an increase in the tax rate and stays within the state-mandated tax levy cap.

The $1.41 million spending plan was unanimously approved by the board after drawing no comments from village residents during an April 1 public hearing.

Overall village spending will decrease by approximately $28,000 in 2024-2025. The whole-village tax levy increase is approximately 1.3% or $496,600. The increase is within the state tax levy cap, according to Mayor Arthur Lawson.

The projected 2024-2025 total tax rate is $9.77 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That's 35 cents more than the current rate.

The general tax rate is $8.68 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a 36-cent increase on the current rate. The sewer tax rate is $1.09 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a decrease of 1 cent on the current rate. There is no water tax.

Lawson said the increase in the general tax rate and levy is a reflection of "the new economy we're living in." Health insurance costs for village employees have continued to rise, he added.

"We're dealing with the fact that inflation month over month and (consumer price index) is the highest it's ever been. That impacts the largest areas of increase, particularly the health insurance area. We're allowed to raise (the tax cap by) less than 2%, but health insurance has increased between 7% to 12%," he said.

Lawson attributed projected reduced spending in 2024-2025 to an anticipated retirement in the department of public works later this year. The retiree's post will be filled by another individual already employed by the department.

There are no other changes to staffing or services in the village.

"We proactively hired the employee to make sure they get the transfer of knowledge before he retires," Lawson said.