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Fulton County Seeks Court Approval for Emergency Property Tax Collection

Fulton County Seeks Court Approval for Emergency Property Tax Collection

Fulton County officials are seeking a court order to allow the collection of property taxes due to a delay in certifying the 2026 tax digest. The delay, attributed to an unusually high number of land packages, has prompted the county commission and school district to request judicial permission to issue tax bills. This measure is necessary to ensure timely revenue collection for paying bills, including salaries for employees and teachers. Commissioner Dana Barrett highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the potential impact on the county's financial operations if the order is not granted.
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Fulton County Voters to Decide on Extension of Transportation Sales Tax

Fulton County Voters to Decide on Extension of Transportation Sales Tax

Fulton County voters will have the opportunity to vote on extending the current transportation sales tax in the upcoming November elections. The proposed extension involves a 0.75% Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) that has been in place since 2017. This tax funds transportation projects in 14 cities within Fulton County, excluding the City of Atlanta. The Fulton County Commission has approved an intergovernmental agreement detailing how the estimated $650 million in revenue will be distributed among the cities. The projects funded by this tax include improvements to local roads, sidewalks, and trails, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and reducing congestion.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota rolls back controversial paid parking plan

Sarasota rolls back controversial paid parking plan

Sarasota city commissioners unanimously approved major changes to downtown and St. Armands Circle paid parking after weeks of public criticism.
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Fort Scott's Golf Course Faces Financial Challenges Despite Community Support

Fort Scott's Golf Course Faces Financial Challenges Despite Community Support

The city of Fort Scott, Kansas, is grappling with the financial sustainability of its golf course, Woodland Hills. Despite being purchased with community donations, the course is not covering its operational costs. Financial advisor Ben Hart reported to city commissioners that the course's revenues are insufficient to meet expenses, suggesting it might need to be reintegrated into the general fund. The course has required significant financial transfers from the general fund to cover losses, amounting to over $200,000 in recent years. The city has invested in the course's infrastructure and amenities, but the financial model remains unsustainable.
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Utah Crowned America's No. 1 State in 2026 U.S. News Ranking

Utah Crowned America's No. 1 State in 2026 U.S. News Ranking

Utah has been named the best state in the United States for the fourth consecutive year according to the 2026 U.S. News Best States Ranking. The state is recognized for its high-growth tech startups, strong economic diversity, robust infrastructure, and elite education system. Despite not topping any specific category, Utah's overall performance in areas such as economy and fiscal stability secured its top position. The ranking assesses states based on education, healthcare, economy, opportunity, infrastructure, fiscal stability, natural environment, and crime.
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Florida Judge Rules Property Tax Amendment Misleading, Orders Rewrite

Florida Judge Rules Property Tax Amendment Misleading, Orders Rewrite

A Florida judge has ruled that a proposed property tax amendment, set to appear on the November ballot, is misleading and must be rewritten. The amendment, titled 'Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes,' aims to expand the homestead exemption and reduce the cap on tax assessments for non-homesteaded properties. Judge David Frank found that the ballot title and summary contained 'political taglines' that advocated for the amendment rather than accurately describing its effects. The ruling requires Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to submit revised ballot language within 10 days. The amendment has faced criticism from local governments concerned about potential revenue losses.
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Iowa's New Property Tax Law Could Cost Dubuque $220 Million in Taxable Value

Iowa's New Property Tax Law Could Cost Dubuque $220 Million in Taxable Value

Iowa's new property tax law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, is projected to result in a loss of over $220 million in taxable assessed value for the city of Dubuque. The law, Senate File 2472, limits local government revenue growth to 2% annually, which is intended to save Iowa homeowners $4.2 billion over six years. However, Dubuque's Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer Larson, expressed concerns that the cap could hinder the city's growth, especially if inflation exceeds 2%. The law exempts new growth from the revenue cap unless it occurs in a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, which could complicate economic development efforts. City Manager Mike Van Milligen warned that the law might force cities to reduce services, leading to significant challenges for Dubuque.
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Weld County Declines Participation in Greeley's Catalyst Project, Citing Financial Risks

Weld County Declines Participation in Greeley's Catalyst Project, Citing Financial Risks

Weld County has decided not to participate in the Catalyst project proposed by the City of Greeley. The project, which aims to develop a vibrant destination featuring a sports arena, water park, conference hotel, and mixed-use neighborhoods, was presented as a significant opportunity for regional growth. However, the Weld County Board of County Commissioners, after reviewing the proposal, declined to support the project financially. The board expressed concerns about the financial risks involved, stating that it is not the county's role to assume such risks. The decision was communicated in a letter to Greeley Mayor Dale Hall, emphasizing the county's focus on providing essential services rather than engaging in development projects.
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New York State Investigates Alleged Illegal Surveillance During Elections

New York State Investigates Alleged Illegal Surveillance During Elections

The New York State Board of Elections' Division of Election Law Enforcement is investigating allegations of illegal surveillance during the June 23 primary election in Broadalbin, Fulton County. Reports suggest that security cameras, installed through a state security grant, were left on for over 10 hours, potentially violating state and federal election laws that prohibit recording inside courthouses. The cameras reportedly captured voters casting ballots, prompting complaints to the state Commission on Judicial Conduct and the U.S. Department of Justice. The investigation follows concerns raised by Broadalbin Town Justice Jan Bohne, who noticed the cameras were operational during voting hours and reported the issue to local officials.
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Ellis County Commissioners Review Third Draft of 2027 Budget Amid Cost Increases

Ellis County Commissioners Review Third Draft of 2027 Budget Amid Cost Increases

Ellis County commissioners are set to review the third draft of the 2027 budget, which includes significant financial adjustments. The proposed budget reflects nearly $600,000 in cuts identified during July hearings with department heads and elected officials. Despite these cuts, the budget is only $5,221 higher than the 2026 budget. Key changes include a 7% increase in health insurance premiums and an 8% rise in property, vehicle, and liability insurance costs. Additionally, there are reductions of $200,000 each in the Public Works budget and the Special Highway Fund, alongside a $300,000 decrease in projected interest revenue. Planned salary adjustments have been delayed, and over $425,000 in oil and gas depletion revenue has been removed. The budget process will continue with a review of the fourth draft on August 11, with the final draft expected to be published on August 18. The revenue-neutral rate hearing and budget adoption are scheduled for September 8.
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Clearwater Faces Potential Revenue Loss with Proposed Amendment 3

Clearwater Faces Potential Revenue Loss with Proposed Amendment 3

Clearwater residents recently attended a budget workshop to discuss the implications of Florida's proposed Amendment 3, which could significantly impact city services and funding. The amendment aims to increase homestead exemptions for homeowners, potentially phasing out property taxes over the next few years. This change would apply to properties that serve as a person's primary residence in Florida. City Manager Jennifer Poirrier highlighted that if the amendment passes, Clearwater could face a reduction of approximately $12 million in its general fund in the first year, with an additional $8 million loss in the second year. This represents about 10% of the city's general fund. The city plans to hold a special budget work session on August 11 to explore options for the 2027 budget, should the amendment be approved.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County commissioners vote today on increased tax for children

Hamilton County commissioners vote today on increased tax for children

After some heated discussion, the Hamilton County commissioners will decide how much to increase a levy to support children's services.