Blue Ridge Gives First Reading of 2012 Millage Rate

The Blue Ridge City Council had its first reading of its 2012 city millage rate today.In a short meeting this morning, members of the council voted to approve the first reading of the city millage rate, the city’s ad valorem tax rate, at 6.32 mills.

Before the meeting, Blue Ridge City Manager Bill Sowers stated that the millage rate is still the same as last year, and had not changed in several years, which means that the new millage rate should not have much of a effect on taxpayers.

The approval of the first reading of the millage rate, however, does not yet make the 2012 millage rate effective. It is standard procedure for the city to approve a first reading before voting on the new millage again at another time. The city will now schedule another meeting when council will officially pass the new millage rate.

Also in the meeting, the council adopted a resolution that will amend a section of the city’s Insurance Premium Only Plan.

The 2012 certificate of resolution passed today for section 125 of the city’s Insurance Premium Only Plan will now make it possible for the city to take out premiums on its employees before taxes are placed on the premiums.

City council member Michael Eaton informed FYN that it was custom for most municipalities to take premiums out on its employees before taxes are placed on the premiums. He says now that the city has passed this resolution the city can now begin taking premiums out in this way.

FYN will continue to bring you more updates from city hall.