HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Harrisonburg City Council is expected to formally pass the city’s budget for next fiscal year later this evening, which includes a property tax increase to cover operating costs for the new Rocktown High School.

Embedded in that nearly $405 million spending plan is a provision to hike property tax rates by as much as eight cents – from 96 cents to a $1.04 per $100 of assessed value.

Appearing on Early Mornings today, City Manager Ande Banks said that the increase probably won’t be that high.

“Although it does say raising the real estate tax rate by eight cents, that’s because we advertise that a month ago, prior to City Council’s deliberations, and ultimately them finding consensus on reducing that eight cents to five cents,” Banks said.

If passed, the new budget – and therefore, the new tax rate – would take effect on July 1.

A public hearing is happening during tonight’s meeting prior to the council’s vote.