Gabe Stark
Reporter

The Trenton City Council approved the city’s 2026 property tax levy this week and took the first step toward moving regular council meetings 30 minutes earlier.

Following a public hearing in which no comments were received, the council approved a property tax rate of $1.1593 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Mayor Jackie Soptic said the rate is calculated using assessed valuation figures provided to the city by Grundy County.

The ordinance passed 6-1, with Councilman Glen Briggs voting against it. Councilman Marvin Humphreys was absent.

Council members later discussed changing the start time for regular meetings from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Council Member Lindsay Stevens raised the issue, saying an earlier start could make meetings easier for council members, city employees and residents.

“I have children. Getting home late is difficult,” Stevens said.

She noted that some city employees finish their normal workday in the afternoon before returning to City Hall for evening meetings.

“I just feel like if it’s possible to move that earlier, it might allow even the residents to attend more,” Stevens said.

Council members discussed both 6 and 6:30 p.m. as possible starting times.

One complication is the Building and Nuisance Board, which currently meets at 6 p.m. on the same nights as the City Council. Council members who are also on that board said those meetings are usually completed before 6:30.

The council ultimately voted to have City Administrator Matt Harline prepare an ordinance changing the regular council meeting time to 6:30 p.m. The earlier time will not take effect until the council formally considers and approves the ordinance.