The Warrenton Board of Aldermen held a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 18, and approved setting the 2026 tax rate at a total of $0.4277 per $100 valuation. 

“Revised property valuations for 2026 received from the county clerk reflect an increase of $5,429,377 in new construction, an increase of $5,453,811 in real estate valuations, and an increase of $1,379,486 in personal property tax valuations,” Finance Officer Meghan Waelder said.

“The proposed tax rates on the revised valuations are $0.2686 per $100 valuation for general revenue, $0.1591 per $100 valuation for parks and recreation, total tax rate being $0.4277 per $100 valuation,” she added.

“The proposed rates will result in approximately $728,218 in revenue. For the general fund that would be $457,328 and the park fund would be $270,890. The total budgeted revenues for the year are $766,504, resulting in a shortage of $38,286 of revenue below budget.”

In response to a question from Alderman Roger Romaker, Waelder said the tax rates were unchanged from last year.

In response to a question from Alderman Josh Chandler, Waelder reiterated that the tax rate is projected to result in a revenue shortfall, and in response to a question from Alderwoman Christine Wait, Waelder repeated the estimated dollar amount of $38,286. 

There was no further discussion of the budget shortfall or any city plans to make up for it. Waelder told the Record Wednesday, Aug. 19, that the city will be able to cover the budget shortfall with money from its general fund cash account, without dipping into its $800,000 general fund cash reserves.

Waelder added that Missouri’s municipal tax rates are essentially dictated by state statute and there’s little the city can do to change the rate. In just under three years she has worked for the city, she said, this is the first time it has had a budget shortfall.

The tax rate was approved unanimously by a 5-0 vote. Alderman Larry Corder was not at the meeting.