For the first time in three years, Pembroke residents could see an increase in their tax bill as officials are considering raising the millage rate
Pembroke Mayor Mary Warnell said Tuesday the change would increase the city’s current rate of 8.329 mills to 10 mills. She said the increase is due to expenses the city expects to incur over the next year.
“Sophicity’s ‘IT in a Box,’ that’s one of our expenses,” Warnell said referring to the technology support contract approved at Monday’s council meeting.  The information technology company will overhaul the city’s website and monitor city computers for viruses, provide data backup, assist with online billing services and more.
“We have some pool repairs, and that comes under recreation,” Warnell added. “And in that we are required next year to have a lift chair for the handicapped, and that is a little expensive. We have some repairs (to the pool), and at this point we don’t know how much that will be.”
Warnell said the city’s zoning maps must also be updated to be filed with the Coastal Regional Commission and state, which also presents additional costs.
The city is required to hold three public hearings on the matter. The first two public hearings are set for noon and 6 p.m. Aug. 23. The third public hearing will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 30 followed by a called meeting in which the council will approve the millage rate.
Read more in the Aug. 15 edition of the News.