Gerdes joins chorus against tax hike

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.