The Alto Town Council voted 3–2 Tuesday night to raise the town’s property tax rate to 6.2 mills, approving a measure intended to significantly diminish the projected $110,978 deficit in the town’s 2025 budget.
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Turner told council members that the shortfall stems from rising insurance, payroll, and infrastructure costs. She said the town has already raised employee healthcare deductibles and limited departmental spending to reduce expenses.
In the October 21st meeting minutes, Turner told council members that the budget would be ready for adoption in December, with final figures presented in November. She acknowledged that the town’s expenses have outpaced revenue despite cost-saving efforts, including raising employee healthcare deductibles.
“Maybe not,” Turner said when asked if the millage rate might need to be increased again next year. “We’re working with everyone to do what we can to help ourselves.”
Councilwoman Debbie Turner questioned employee benefits, asking how much the city matches toward staff retirement accounts. Lisa Turner confirmed a 6 percent match. Debbie Turner later pressed the council to identify areas where they could “tighten belts.”
Councilman Allen Fox also urged fiscal restraint, describing the coming year as an opportunity to stabilize finances.
“2026 will be about implementing the savings initiatives started in 2025,” Fox said. “We’re preparing to do more with less to avoid revisiting this issue, which leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, including mine.”
The proposed rate of 6.2 mills would generate about $99,105 in property tax revenue, compared to $84,478 under the current rate of 5.285 mills. However, a higher rate of 6.943 mills would cover the entire deficit, bringing in roughly $111,000.
Despite the fiscal tension, the council approved a motion to advance the Master Meter Project, a water system initiative designed to modernize utility infrastructure. Three engineering firms submitted bids, which the council will review at a Nov. 3 work session.
James Turner and Debbie Turner voted against the millage increase. Councilmen Allen Fox, PJ Huggins, and Eddie Palmer voted in support, striving to meet the needs of the moment while planning for a future of leaner governance.
Mayor Gail Armour closed the meeting by emphasizing the need for prudence and preparation.
