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Volume 8, No. 12
Friday, July 1, 2022
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CHRONICLE ONICLE ND KIR TLA
City Adopts Council Lowers Proposed Income Tax Budget Tax Hike to Quarter Percent For FY 2023 Use of Fireworks
By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com
Kirtland City Council began D its June 20 meeting withI R a public TLAN K hearing on the city’s tax budget for fiscal year 2023. Finance Director Louis Slapnicker explained the purpose of the tax budget is to provide the necessary information for the county auditor to set a property tax rate for next year. In 2023, the millage request will be 3-mills inside without a vote and 8.05-mills outside which would be voted. “It allows the county auditor to provide Kirtland with a certificate of estimated resources, which limits See Budget • Page 9
Bob Race Named Asst. Principal at KMS
“I think that was a great place to start because it enables us to use that as a ceiling and work backward from there,” Mayor Kevin Potter said of the proposed 0.35% hike. However, he acknowledged a lesser increase of 0.25% or 0.3% primarily had been discussed over the course of the community forums that began April 25. “My opinion is I’d like to see this (proposed ordinance) amended this evening to that 0.25% versus that 0.35%,” said Potter. He based his opinion on discussions around the community and “potential changes in our income tax dollars that we receive as a result of some of the stay-athome working.” “I think we are poised at 0.25% to execute a really, really strong
road program that the residents and community can trust here for our future,” Potter said. Over the next 30 years, the proposed increase would generate approximately $35 million, he added. Potter reiterated an income tax increase would allow the city to account for that growth in revenue over time while also allowing the city to “front load” constructions costs over the next 2-5 years. That would allow the road program to get “back to even” so a maintenance program could be implement going out 7-10 years or more. Council unanimously voted 6-0 — Council President Jeffrey Ruple was absent — to amend the language of the proposed ordinance, See Council • Page 6
CHRONICLE
Banned in Kirtland
By John Karlovec john@karlovecmedia.com
Kirtland City Council held a second reading on a proposed ordinance that would enable residents this fall to support a tax initiative that would provide longterm funding for the city’s roads. At the conclusion of the third community forum to discuss road funding, held May 31, council members were leaning toward asking voters to approve a 0.35% hike to the city’s 2% income tax. In order to place the issue before voters, the city charter would need to be amended, which would require a super-majority vote of council, or five of the seven members.
2022 Publication Schedule August 5 November 4 September 2 December 9 October 7 The Kirtland Chronicle publishes once a month. Karlovec Media Group reserves the right to change, cancel or add publication dates at any time.
How Sweet It Is
Staff Report Kirtland Schools Board of Education has hired Bob Race as the next assistant principal of Kirtland Middle School. The board approved Race at its June 20 meeting. Race has taught middle school science for the past 16 years, including the last eight years teaching seventh-grade integrated science at Mayfield Middle School. “ Working alongside the staff, Race students and community, we will continue to improve academic achievements and student experiences through meaningful instruction,” said Race. Kirtland Schools Supt. Chad VanArnhem said more than 50 candidates applied for the position. “Thirteen of the candidates received a first round interview and three were then brought to a committee of parents, staff and administrators,” VanArnhem said. See Race • Page 9
CHUCK BIKART/KMG
The 62nd annual Strawberry Festival was hosted by the Kirtlandd Kiwanis June 16-18 at the Kirtland Schools grounds. See pages 4-5 for more coverage.
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