BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean is now proposing no property tax increase for Fiscal Year 2021 after previously proposing a two percent increase. McLean said her reasoning behind the increase is because she wanted the city to "play a role in lessening the impact of rising costs of living in our community."
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people have lost their jobs and sources of income. Mayor McLean says since we are in uncharted territory, she is proposing zero increase in property taxes. The proposal will be presented at next Tuesday's Boise City Council Meeting. The move to a zero percent increase will result in a $3.2 million impact to the city budget.
"It’s important in these unprecedented times to ease your property tax burden and find new ways to serve all residents as we create a 21st-century city for everyone. And we know that our city’s budget plays a role. Along with residents, we are tightening our belts as we build the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, and future budgets," said McLean in a press release.
The Mayor's staff will focus on funding community services like public safety, affordable housing and transportation, clean energy and innovation while they balance declining revenues and increased cost.
