Tax increase OK’d in 5-4 vote

On their first vote, Seneca’s elected leaders were practically divided on whether to raise property taxes by 4 mills.  The increase received first reading approval 5-4, with Mayor Alexander and council members Gaines, Rozman, Ward, and Pohl and in favor.  Opposed were O’Kelley, Moore, Smith, and Durham. Before taking effect July 1, the city’s general budget and its other budgets require a second reading.