Taxes Fall In Birmingham — Again

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Birmingham is on a streak that not many southeast Michigan communities can claim. For the third straight year, the city is lowering its millage rate. And, city leaders say the steak is likely to continue next year.

Birmingham’s general fund millage rate has dropped by 0.41 mills over the last three years and now stands at about 14.7 mills overall. The city new fiscal year started on July 1. Strong growth in real estate value has helped keep taxes down, city leaders said.

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“It's a challenging balance to continue to provide our extraordinary level of services — and even work to enhance them — while cutting our tax rate,” Mayor Mark Nickita said. “However, with a keen focus on that specific goal, we have been able to achieve just that and are even on track to do it again next year.”

“Being one of the few communities in Michigan that holds a coveted AAA bond rating, there is ongoing pressure on budgetary spending,” City Manager Joe Valentine said. “We're fortunate to have a strong tax base that allows us to balance service demands with conservative financial practices and meet the needs of the community in a responsible manner.”

For more, go to the Birmingham Eccentric.

Photo of the Westchester Way home in Birmingham courtesy of Realtor.com