Tax rates for Clarkson are cheaper this year than in the past, thanks to city commissioners agreeing to lower the personal property tax rate.

According to City Clerk and Treasurer Alicia Hayes, the four percent increase, recommended by the state, will lower the personal property rate to .0964 per $100 of assessed value. That is a decrease from last year’s .1106 per $100 of assessed value.

Real property rates will remain the same for 2009 at .0795 per $100 of assessed value.

The city’s income will increase by four percent, but taxes will still remain affordable for residents.

The first reading of the 2009-08 ordinance was approved during the September 14 Clarkson meeting. Officials will have to approve a second reading of the ordinance before it becomes official.

In other business:

• CPA Bob Ryan presented the audit report for fiscal year July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009, showing a few recommendations for the city government.

Officials approved the motion to have an independent person with the commission review bank statements before turning the paperwork over to the clerk. Ryan felt this would help strengthen internal control for the city.

Another recommendation was to keep better track of fuel purchases for city vehicles. This allows for the city to see how much money is being spent on fuel for each department.

Hayes said the name of the department; mileage of the vehicle and who is buying the fuel must be filled out on each ticket. Hayes would then put the information in a spreadsheet.

Lastly, Ryan said there was not an adequate separation of duties for personnel. What helped strengthen this though was the active involvement of the commission with approving bills.