The 2016 property tax rates for Warrenton will be unchanged from last year.The board voted not to increase the tax levy amounts and keep them at the 2015 rates of 17.16 cents for parks and recreation and 28.99 cents for general revenue.The overall tax rate of 46.15 cents will be charged on each $100 of assessed valuation of property.The state auditor’s office provides maximum recommendation to cities for how much they can tax residents based on the assessed valuations. The maximum recommendation for Warrenton for 2016 was 17.18 cents for the parks and recreation and 29.02 cents for the general revenue fund, but the board declined to raise the rates from last year. Hire FirmIn other action, aldermen selected Development Dynamics to create a redevelopment plan for the outlet mall area.The plan will include a cost-benefit analysis and studies for a relocation plan, tax increment financing (TIF) and statutory requirements.Development Dynamics offered to do the work at a cost not to exceed $20,000.Development Dynamics is a subsidiary of Armstrong Teasdale, a law firm that has a relationship with a developer in the proposed TIF area.Alderman Gary Auch, Ward 2, asked if the relationship would put taxpayers or the city at a disadvantage.City Attorney Christopher Graville said he didn’t think it would be an issue.“Armstong Teasdale is one of the most reputable firms. There’s no legal conflict,” Graville said. “The question will come up during the study. You guys (the board members) need to be able to answer the question.”The city had sent out a request for proposal to five planning companies. Two responded, Development Dynamics and PGAV. PGAV offered a more expensive plan.The city had worked with PGAV before on a feasibility study for adding an interchange at Interstate 70 near the outlet mall, which is part of the proposed redevelopment plan.Mayor Eric Schleuter, Alderman Mike Shilharvey, Ward 1, and Auch said they recalled they had been displeased with PGAV’s responsiveness to the city’s requests.City of Warrenton