Butler City Council introduced budget and tax ordinances reducing property taxes by 1 mill.

Neither ordinance was available at Tuesday’s forum meeting, but Councilman Michael Walter said they include a reduction in the street light millage from 3.25 this year to 2.25 next year.

Lower electric bills from converting the streetlight to LED lights caused the reduction, Walter said.

The total tax rate will be 42.25 mills next year, he said.

Officials said copies of the budget and ordinance will be available at Thursday’s regular meeting when council will vote on them.

Council also will vote on an employee salary ordinance and advertising for proposals for a $1 million tax revenue anticipation loan. The city borrowed a $1 million tax anticipation loan this year.

One of two motions concerning the vacant fire chief’s position will be removed from Thursday’s meeting agenda after Mayor-elect Ben Smith asked to leave the matters for the new administration that will come into office next year. He called it a professional courtesy.

A full story appears in Wednesday's Butler Eagle.