By Todd Wineburner

The property tax levy for 2013 was a key topic of discussion for the Pontiac city council last night. City Administrator Bob Karls told council members that the city is facing an Equalized Assessed Valuation that’s less than last year. That means council members will have to decide whether the city can absorb the loss of revenue that will come with leaving the tax rate the same. Karls says at this point it’s difficult to know the best course of action because city officials are still waiting for some critical numbers from Springfield, including pension fund requirements for police, firefighters, and municipal employees. Those figures are critical because nearly two-thirds of the city’s property taxes go toward pension funds. Karls says the figures should be in by mid-December.

In other action, the council approved a “min/max” liability insurance plan that could save the city 70-thousand dollars in premiums. The city can realize the savings if claims against the city remain under a pre-set level. Council members also approved a measure to put electrical aggregation on the ballot in Pontiac next year. Members also discussed the future of the property tax abatement referendum that failed in the last election.