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SMITHVILLE — The battle over Smithville’s budget escalated last week, with local state Rep. Stan Gerdes demanding city leaders roll back a proposed 15% property tax increase and new city debt.
Unable to make the Aug. 20 budget session while tending to Capitol duties, Gerdes sent his wife, Sam, to deliver his remarks before a packed council chamber. In a prepared release, Gerdes criticized City Manager Robert Tamble’s proposal for a 15.26% tax hike, $3 million tax note and what he described as unnecessary bonuses — including a $20,000 bump and $7,000 vehicle stipend for the mayor, both of which were cut from last year’s budget after public pushback.
“We intend to keep fighting alongside our neighbors to make sure their voices are heard — and respected.”
— State Rep. Stan Gerdes
“We’ve been down this road before, and Smithville families shouldn’t have to fight the same battle again,” Gerdes said. “While I was fulfilling my legislative duties in Austin, Sam made it clear to the City Council that this community is fed up with reckless spending and runaway tax increases.”
Gerdes accused Tamble of ignoring a unanimous council directive in June to cut the budget by 5%, instead raising the tax rate to 67.88 cents per $100 valuation — the highest allowable without triggering a rollback election. The proposal also calls for issuing $3 million in debt, with $2 million for equipment, facilities and infrastructure and $1 million for wastewater projects, according to city records.
“[Councilmen Brandon Dunham and Mitchell Jameson] deserve real credit for doing the right thing,” Gerdes said, praising them for opposing the maximum rate and the new debt note.
Tamble has described this year’s budget process as “arduous,” citing declining property values, rising costs and a surge in over-65 exemptions that lock in tax bills.
Reports said Smithville’s taxable value fell 0.72% this year to about $469.7 million, and the average taxable value of a single-family home dropped 2.35% to $251,837. The number of residents qualifying for over-65 exemptions rose from 464 to 500, creating a $154,000 shortfall in tax revenue.
Earlier this summer, council members sought $836,000 in cuts but later backed away after community feedback.
Tamble has defended the city’s approach, saying municipal debt is common and Smithville’s financial standing remains strong. He has also pointed to long-term solutions, including grants and delayed development projects that could add $50 million to $75 million in taxable value if they move forward, according to reports.
City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and set the final tax rate during its Sept. 8 meeting at 5 p.m. in City Hall.
“The people of Smithville deserve better,” Gerdes said. “We intend to keep fighting alongside our neighbors to make sure their voices are heard — and respected.”
