A proposal to permanently reduce Johnstown’s municipal property tax mill levy by eight mills over four years failed Monday night after the Town Council split 3–3, preventing the ordinance from advancing beyond its first reading.
Mayor Michael Duncan and Councilmembers Dee Anne Menzies and Nicholas Bashford voted in favor of Ordinance 2026-299. Mayor Pro Tem Chad Young and Councilmembers Damien Berg and Dianne Morris voted against the measure. Councilmember Jesse Molinar Jr. was absent.
The tied vote left the proposed tax reduction without the majority needed for approval. As a result, the ordinance did not advance to a second reading, and Johnstown’s existing municipal property tax levy remains unchanged by Monday’s action.
Proposal Would Have Reduced Town Property Taxes Over Four Years
The ordinance, introduced by Bashford, proposed reducing Johnstown’s municipal property tax mill levy from 23.947 to 15.947 mills through four annual reductions of two mills each.
The full reduction would have lowered the Town’s overall municipal property tax rate by approximately 33%, while preserving the 3.3 mills dedicated to the Glenn A. Jones Memorial Library.
According to Bashford’s financial analysis, a residential property with a county-assessed actual value of $500,000 would have saved approximately $61 in the first year and $245 annually once the full reduction took effect, assuming unchanged property values and assessment rates.
The proposal also carried financial implications for the Town. Based on preliminary assessed valuations, Bashford’s analysis estimated that annual municipal property tax collections would have been approximately $4.69 million lower after full implementation than they would be under the existing mill levy, assuming an unchanged tax base.
Town staff recommended against adopting the permanent reduction, citing concerns about recurring revenue, infrastructure investments, and future financial flexibility. Staff suggested that Council consider temporary property tax credits or rebates as alternatives.
Johnstown Republic previously examined the ordinance, estimated taxpayer savings, financial projections, and staff’s recommendation in its October 18 report.
Councilmembers Debate How Ordinance Was Developed
During Monday’s discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Chad Young questioned the process used to develop the proposed ordinance.
Young said he had never heard of a councilmember drafting an ordinance independently. Councilmember Dee Anne Menzies responded that just because others had not taken that approach did not mean Johnstown could not do so.
Councilmember Dee Anne Menzies pushed back on that reasoning, arguing that the fact other municipalities or councils may not follow a particular approach does not necessarily mean Johnstown cannot do so.
The ordinance had been included in the official October 19 Council agenda packet, along with Bashford’s supporting documents and Town staff’s assessment.
Bashford Expresses Disappointment Following Failed Vote
Following the vote, Bashford expressed frustration with the Council’s decision.
“Tonight, I am disappointed with this council,” Bashford said.
Bashford also criticized councilmembers he believes are maintaining the status quo rather than acting in residents’ interests. He indicated that he intends to return with additional proposals and said he would call attention to officials he believes are not serving residents.
His remarks also turned toward future municipal elections. Bashford referenced voters returning to the ballot box in approximately 18 months and argued that councilmembers who do not support residents’ priorities should not continue serving on the Council.
The remarks reflected Bashford’s dissatisfaction with the outcome and his intention to continue pressing for changes through future Council action.
What Happens Next?
With Ordinance 2026-299 failing on first reading, the proposed eight-mill reduction will not take effect under the measure considered Monday.
The vote does not prevent Council from considering a different property tax proposal in the future. However, no replacement ordinance or new timeline for reconsideration was established through Monday’s failed vote.
Town staff’s previously suggested alternatives, including temporary property tax credits and rebates, also remain possible subjects for future Council discussion. Neither alternative was adopted through the vote on Ordinance 2026-299.
Residents can review the proposed ordinance and supporting financial documents in the October 19 Town Council meeting materials. Town Council meeting recordings and minutes are available through the Town’s Agendas and Minutes page.
Johnstown Republic will continue following any future proposals concerning Johnstown’s municipal property taxes.
