Seneca property taxes and utility charges headed higher

After votes at City Hall last night, Seneca property taxes and utility charges will increase the next 12 months. The city council approved budgets that spend $44.5 million. Utility service will account for $31 million dollars of that number. Seneca will add 2.2 mills to its property tax rate; an increase on the base rate of water and sewer charges for customers both in and outside the city limits. As explained by city administrator-designate Scott Moulder, there is to be enough money in the new budgets to award 3% across the board cost of living pay adjustments and to buy a new police car and make a lease payment on a new fire truck.