The Ottawa City Commission voted July 15 to notify Franklin County that the city may go above its revenue-neutral rate for 2027. That rate, 42.209 mills, would raise the same property tax revenue as this year. The resolution caps the levy at 46.136 mills, two mills above the current rate. Mayor Zach Clayton was absent, and the other four commissioners voted yes.

Finance Director Melanie Landis said costs for tax-supported services are up $814,750, outpacing revenue growth. On a home appraised at $250,000, each mill comes to about $28.75 in city tax.

Commissioners can lower the rate before adopting the budget but cannot raise it. Clayton had said he could not ask residents for two more mills. Public hearings are September 2 at 7 p.m.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the mill rate options and the decision, and the July 15 commission minutes.