Explanatory Statement for Proposed Levy Lid Lift
10/14/2025
The Town of Mansfield is currently authorized to levy a permanent regular property tax not to exceed $.98 per $1,000 of assessed value on the property within the Town. Initiative 747, approved in 2001, has limited the increase in property tax revenues to the Town to a rate of 1% annually which has been less than the actual rate of inflation for the costs of providing services to the citizens of the Town, causing an ongoing and worsening structural budget deficit.
As an example of the rise in costs, the cost of contracting with Douglas County for providing law enforcement services went from approximately $12,000.00 in 2025 to the sum of $27,000.00 in 2026, the sum of $30,000.00 in 2027, and the sum of $33,000.00 in 2028, with 3% increases thereafter. Without additional revenues, the Town will be required to substantially reduce basic services to the citizens of the Town, including services related to public safety, parks, and other community services.
The town council desires to offset the ongoing loss of revenues and increase in costs by raising its property tax levy. The Town is asking the voters to authorize an increase from $.98 per thousand to a levy of $1.50 per thousand. The cost to the taxpayer will be approximately $52 per $100,000 in valuation in the first year. The proceeds of the increase if approved by the voters will provide funding for the continuation of basic services, including law enforcement, provided by the Town to its citizens.