No one from the public spoke during a public hearing Tuesday for the new city of Orange budget and tax rate. The 2017 budget year will be the fourth without a property tax increase, but At-Large Councilor Larry Spears said this would be the last year for no increase.
City Manager Dr. Shawn Oubre said “We’ve squeezed all we could out of our revenue.”
He said next year the city will negotiate new contracts with union police and firefighters. The city council has been approving pay raises for all city employees based on the negotiations for the two unions. Health insurance for employees will likely increase next year. In addition, the city has delayed street paving projects to save money.
The tax rate for 2017 will be 70.96 cents per $100 valuation and no increases are planned for water and sewer services.
The general operating budget will be $20.2 million. The total budget, including water and sewer operations plus bond construction and special revenues will be $40.5 million.
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