Buffalo Council lowers tax rate

In a special called meeting on Monday evening, September 21, the Buffalo City Council approved their proposed budget and passed an ordinance establishing the ad valorem taxes for 2009. The effective tax rate (maintenance and operations plus interest and sinking) will be $0.559977 on each $100 valuation of property. The figure represents a decrease of approximately 2 cents per $100, but will still result in increased revenue for the city since the property values within the city limits went up during the year. The new rate will levy $374,600.53 for the city.

Other business during the brief meeting included the appointment of Dianne Ryder and Martin Housler to the board of the Buffalo Economic Development Corporation, replacing Tim Ezell and Linda Amos.

The city's 2007 audit from Staples & Associates has still not been submitted but a preliminary audit has been promised by next week. Mayor Royce Dawkins was authorized by the council to pay the outstanding bill when the audit is in hand.