PEMBROKE – This year, the City of Pembroke plans to reduce its millage rate from 12 mil to 10.282 mil following the approval of FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales Tax) last November by voters, according to City Administrator Chris Benson.

“We’re seeing this reduction in our millage rate as a result of the additional sales tax that we’re collecting,” said Benson.

However, Benson noted that in recent years the City has been operating in excess of its revenue, so operational cuts and usage of the city's fund balance, or savings, will occur to offset rising utility and fuel costs.

These budget cuts are said to impact the City’s ability to address maintenance activities in a timely manner, more often deferring maintenance.

"We're having to cut operational and maintenance activities in order to provide that [millage rate] reduction," Benson explained.

In addition, the residential property evaluations this year should have remained flat, says Benson, unless homeowners have personally made changes to the size or structure of their property.

A third public hearing will be held Mon., Sept. 14 (6 p.m.) at Pembroke City Hall for those wanting to learn more or share their thoughts.