Clarkson residents can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for a little bit longer, because city commissioners have decided to not raise property tax rates for the coming year.

Commissioner Robert Vincent made the motion during the September 8 meeting to leave rates the same as they were last year.

Vincent explained the city’s revenue had increased three percent, because of property value increases for the area.

That showed an increase of $789,998 in real estate from last year, but also showed a decrease in tangible property by $250,000.

Vincent felt the decrease in tangible was due to the volatility of the stock market.

The 2007 tax rate was .0795 cents per $100 for real estate and .1106 cents per $100 for tangible.

The 2008 tax rate will become official after the second reading of the ordinance during October’s meeting.

In other business:

• Commissioners discussed the upcoming 100-year celebration of Clarkson, which will be held on September 20 at 6 p.m. in front of Clarkson City Hall.

The ceremonies will include the unveiling of a quilt art block, a 100-balloon release (with a note attached to each balloon), and the singing of the star spangled banner.

A $50 savings bond is being given away to the person, who turns in their note from a balloon, from the farthest away from Clarkson.

The commissioners are also collecting items for a time capsule that will commemorate the history of the city.

Items can be dropped off at Clarkson City Hall.

• The Clarkson Veterans Clinic will host a grand opening ceremony on September 19 from 12-1 p.m.

Clarkson Mayor Bonnie Henderson said some of the commissioners, as well as herself, toured the facility recently.

The clinic is located at 611 West Main Street. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Some of the services offered at the facility are mental health, primary care, lab work, and nutrition.