Perry officials propose utility-rate increases and higher property-tax rate amid financial concerns

Perry City Manager John Hart has presented a proposed fiscal 2026–27 budget that includes higher utility rates and a higher property-tax rate, putting potential additional costs for households and businesses before the Perry City Council.

Hart also warned council members about the city’s financial uncertainty while outlining the proposal. The presentation was made earlier in the week before the proposal was reported on July 31, 2026.

What the proposal could change

If approved, the plan would affect two recurring costs for people and businesses in Perry: utility charges and property taxes. Higher utility rates could raise monthly bills for customers, while a higher property-tax rate could increase the taxes owed by property owners, depending on individual property values and the final rate adopted by the city.

The proposal covers fiscal year 2026–27. It is a proposed budget rather than an adopted spending plan or final rate schedule. The presentation therefore signals that city finances are under pressure, but it does not by itself establish new charges or taxes.

The reported proposal does not identify a percentage or dollar amount for the utility-rate increases. It also does not state the proposed millage rate or the total amount of the fiscal 2026–27 budget. Those figures would be needed to calculate the effect on a particular utility customer, homeowner, landlord or business.

City Council still must consider the proposal

The final utility rates, property-tax rate and fiscal 2026–27 budget have not been established. Council consideration could result in changes before any budget or rates are adopted.

That distinction matters for residents planning household expenses and for businesses budgeting for operating costs. The proposed increases should not be treated as current charges until the council takes formal action.

The City of Perry’s official Recent Meetings portal provides access to City Council meeting records and agendas, including 2026 records. Residents can use that portal to follow future discussion and any formal action related to the proposed budget.

For now, the confirmed development is the presentation of a budget proposal amid the city manager’s warning about financial uncertainty. The next significant step is council consideration of the proposal and any eventual adoption of final rates and a fiscal 2026–27 budget.