Butler city officials are sending letters to nonprofit agencies in the city asking for donations in lieu of taxes.

Mayor Tom Donaldson said about 30 percent of the property in the city is tax exempt at an assessed total value of about $30 million — although that value is based largely on a more than 40-year-old assessment.

“We’re sending out letters because such a large number of properties don’t pay any taxes,” he said. “But they still use our services. Everybody needs to participate.”

The city last year sent letters to 43 nonprofits. Donaldson said eight responded with donations totaling $7,300. Property taxes on the assessed values of those properties would be about $1 million.

“Anything would help,” Donaldson said of the contributions. “Right now the city needs three new police cars, which cost $36,000 apiece. If each nonprofit gave $1,000, that would pay for a car.”

The letter acknowledges the nonprofits provide services for the public good.

“These groups cannot be measured in dollars,” the letter said. “However, all of these organizations receive the benefits of our local police, fire protection and street services every day of the year.”

Donaldson said one nonprofit contributed $3,000 last year.

He hopes the second year of sending the letter will yield better results.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for everyone to contribute,” he said.