Property owners against Pocatello tax increase

Numerous property owners turned out to Thursday night’s Pocatello City Council meeting to voice displeasure with the city’s proposed 2016 budget.

The budget suggests a property tax increase of 0.14 percent, meaning a $100,000 property would pay about $1,080 in taxes.

“I’m extremely concerned and disappointed having watched our property taxes increase over the last four years since 2012,” said Don Zebe.

“During the time that you were paving the roads in other cities, my water heater went out. I had to replace it. Also, at the same time, I was paying more in property taxes,” said Kara Jacks.

The city is projecting a 20 percent increase in health insurance costs in 2016, which it attributes to the Affordable Care Act.

City council plans to vote on the budget at its Aug. 20 meeting. The budget takes effect in October.