Smithville feels numbers squeeze

SMITHVILLE — Smithville officials are weighing budget cuts, tax rate increases and a possible $3 million tax note as they work to balance the city’s books and minimize spending. 

At the city’s second fiscal year 2025-26 budget workshop last month, council members directed staff to restore some previous cuts and explore debt financing to cover rising costs and declining revenues. City Manager Robert Tamble called this year’s budget process “arduous” in his August report, citing growing pains from new property value and exemption reports.

“Taking out a tax note will help us address our short-term infrastructure needs but will increase our debt position,” Tamble said. “Going forward, we desperately need additional large-scale revenue.”