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Belgrade Senior Center Mill Levy FAQ 1. What is the Belgrade Senior Center Mill Levy? The Belgrade Senior Center Mill Levy is a proposed permanent increase in property taxes to fund the operation and maintenance of the Senior Center and its programs. The City Council is asking voters to consider this levy during the November 5, 2024 general election. 2. Why is the mill levy necessary? Although Federal dollars provide for reimbursement for the food costs of the meals on wheels and senior congregate meals, no dedicated revenue currently exists to offset the cost of operating the Senior Center including its facility and staff. The proposed levy would help the Senior Center continue to provide essential services, programs, and support to our senior citizens. 3. How much will the levy raise? If approved, the levy would authorize the City to levy up to 8 mills per year, which is estimated to raise approximately $290,000 initially. 4. How will this affect my property taxes? The estimated annual tax impact of the levy on properties with different assessed market values is as follows: • $100,000 assessed market value: $10.80 per year / $ .90 per month • $300,000 assessed market value: $32.40 per year / $2.70 per month • $600,000 assessed market value: $64.80 per year / $5.40 per month 5. What will the funds be used for? The funds raised from the mill levy will be used to cover the operating and maintenance costs of the Belgrade Senior Center and its programs. This includes salaries for City personnel working at the facility and other necessary expenses. This will not only help maintain the vibrancy of the Belgrade senior community but also offset the investment of the Belgrade Police Department via wellness checks and other services. 6. How will this levy impact renters? An increase in property taxes may lead to an increase in rental costs, as landlords may pass on the additional costs to tenants. 7. When will the vote take place? The vote on the Belgrade Senior Center Mill Levy will take place during the general election on November 5, 2024. Absentee (mail in ballots) will be mailed to those who requested on October 11, 2024. 8. Who can vote on the mill levy? All qualified electors of the City of Belgrade are eligible to vote on this mill levy. 9. What happens if the levy is not approved? If the levy is not approved, the City of Belgrade will maintain the service level determined by the voters. This decision may affect the availability of programs and resources for our senior citizens. The Belgrade Senior Advisory Board and City Council, with staff assistance will carefully assess the impact of the voters' choice on these services. 10. How can I learn more about the mill levy? For more information about the Belgrade Senior Center Mill Levy, please visit the City of Belgrade's website or contact the Senior Center Manager, Lisa Beedy, at (406) 388- 4711 or [EMAIL REDACTED]. 11. How can I get involved or express my opinion on this issue? You can participate in public meetings, contact your City Council members, or email the City Clerk's office ([EMAIL REDACTED]) to share your views. Your input is valuable as we work to make decisions that benefit our community. 12. What is the process for the mill levy to be implemented? If the mill levy is approved by voters, the City will begin collecting the additional property taxes in the next tax year, 2025. The funds will be allocated directly to the Belgrade Senior Center to cover operational and maintenance costs.