The City of Webster Groves is launching a new property tax receipt for residents and property owners to identify what public services property taxes fund. The property tax receipts are a free resource for the residents of Webster Groves, through the Balancing Act program. The receipts will indicate the property owner’s tax amount paid and how those tax dollars are dispersed across the functions of the City. The City of Webster Groves receives only 9%, or 9 cents on the dollar, of the total property taxes paid by Webster Groves residents and property owners.
“Taxpayers deserve to know how we spend their money,” said Laura Arnold, Mayor of Webster Groves. “With this tool, every taxpayer will know exactly how much of their property tax goes to each of our city services. It is a win for transparency and for and having an informed community.”
Property taxes in Webster Groves are used by four different funds – the General Fund, Street Improvement Fund, Pension Fund, and General Obligation Debt Fund. The taxpayer’s receipt will show the user exactly where those tax dollars were allocated. For example, according to Zillow, the average value of Webster Groves home is $390,631, with an assessed value of $74,219 for taxation. Homeowners would pay the City of Webster Groves $458.67 in residential property taxes. The receipt will indicate that the property funded programs like police personnel ($94.45), electricity ($8.30), and chip seal road projects ($10.45), etc.
“The taxpayer’s receipts in Webster Groves are an important tool for property owners and residents to shed light, and understanding, on how their tax dollars fund certain government functions,” commented Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager. “The City provides these receipts to demonstrate where property tax dollars are invested and the specific services those funds pay for. I hope that the individualized data that taxpayers receive from their receipt will provide a true sense of how their money funds city services.”
The taxpayer’s receipts are available for residential and commercial property in Webster Groves and the personal property taxes of Webster Groves residents. St. Louis County has made all assessed values of properties for taxation public and tax bills are now circulating. Taxes are due by December 31, 2023. Those interested can find the Webster Groves tax receipts along with instructions on how to use at: https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/101/Property-Tax.