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Tax rate set at 67.5 cents per $100 of property valuation

SALUDA—The City of Saluda has a new budget with a tax rate of 67.5 cents of property valuation, as the city did not choose to go revenue neutral after the recent property revaluation.

The Saluda Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and adopted the budget Monday night during a special meeting. 

The new budget year begins July 1 for fiscal year 2021-2022. 

Saluda increased taxes slightly during the 2019-2020 fiscal year from a tax rate of 6.45 cents to 6.65 cents. 

Next year’s general fund revenues includes$1,404,462, including $1,270,976 in general fund revenues and $133,486 in appropriated fund balance, according to the budget ordinance approved Monday. 

The general fund budget includes $449,500 in administration; $504,797 in public safety; $171,800 in transportation; $29,500 in Powell Bill; $116,000 in sanitation; $71,865 in cultural and recreation; $36,000 in debt service and $25,000 in contingency appropriation. 

The city’s water and sewer fund is budgeted at $918,200 for next year. 

The city’s total tax rate includes 56 cents for the city and 11.5 cents for the fire department. 

The city is also adding a highway use tax of $20 per tagged vehicle. The funding will be used for the city to pave and resurface additional roads.