💰 Budget Adopted for FY 2025–2026
The council approved the budget ordinance for the year beginning October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
Property tax revenue will increase by $10,060 compared to last year (1.51% rise).
Revenue from new property additions totals $2,527.
Outcome: The budget passed.
🏡 Property Tax Rate Lowered
Despite the revenue increase, the council reduced the tax rate:
From 9.36¢ → 9.2¢ per $100 value (a 1.7% decrease).
Final rates:
Total: 0.092
Maintenance & Operations: 0.06933
Debt Service: 0.02267
Council members highlighted their commitment to being “good stewards of public resources,” noting this is the second consecutive year the rate has gone down.
Votes carried unanimously.
🌳 Parks & Recreation Update
Hills Fest Budget: The council approved funding for Hills City Limits (HCL), set at $30,000.
Caps for October Fest:
The city will not sell merchandise (to avoid sales tax collection).
Instead, caps will be offered for a minimum $15 donation (production cost: $5–6).
👩⚖️ Council Vacancy Filled
After an executive session, the council appointed Britney Mycoskie to fill the vacant seat until November 2026.
Mayor and council members thanked all three applicants-Britney, Madison, and Karthik - for stepping up to serve.
Council members praised the strong applicant pool and growing volunteerism in the community.
📅 Upcoming Events
Hills City Limits Fest – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 2–6 p.m.
National Night Out – Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 5–7 p.m.
🗣️ Community Voice
The Hills Observer exists to keep residents informed and engaged. If you’d like to contribute perspectives, photos, or event updates, reply to this newsletter-we welcome all community voices.
⚖️ Disclaimer
The Hills Observer is a resident-run initiative. It is not affiliated with the Village of The Hills, the City Council, or the POA.
