Elizabethtown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Elizabethtown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2026-2027 City Budget
Resident Jose Torres argued the city keeps spending big on construction, cameras, and a $47 million amphitheater while residents face rising rents, utilities, and grocery bills — and no investment in public transportation to get workers to jobs. With an election a week away, he urged voters to press candidates on these questions.
2026 City Tax Rates
The council set all 2026 city tax rates, lowering the property tax rate for the second year in a row. If your bill still goes up, it's because the PVA reassessed your property at a higher value — the city says that's out of its control.
2026 Property Tax Rate Reduction
The real and personal property tax rate drops from 10.7 to 10.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. Motor vehicle and franchise rates stay flat. Final adoption is still pending after first readings.
FY2027 budget meetings
The general fund is down about $2 million, mostly from big land buys and a $600,000 airport loan. Occupational and property taxes are strong; restaurant, hotel, and net profits taxes are lagging. Three finance staff with over 100 years of combined experience are retiring, and the city is moving its banking to Magnolia Bank.