A majority of city commissioners said they are still looking for a way to keep the city’s property tax rate steady, despite a recommendation from interim City Manager David Corliss that it be increased by a mill.

Following a study session to review the budget this morning, Mayor Mike Amyx and Commissioners David Schauner and Mike Rundle said they were still not ready to commit to a mill levy increase to fund city operations in 2007.

The other two commissioners – Boog Highberger and Sue Hack – expressed less optimism in being able to find acceptable ways to cut the city budget to avoid a mill levy increase.

A mill is one dollar in property tax for every $1,000 in assessed property value that a person owns.

Corliss recommended the mill levy increase in large part to help fund approximately $2 million in addition street maintenance in 2007. All of the commissioners have been supportive of adding money to the city budget to fund additional street maintenance.

Commissioners did not get into detail about where they may cut the budget in order to keep the mill levy stable. Instead, they said they would have that conversation at their next study session, which is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday at Fire Station No. 5, 1911 Stewart Ave.