Belagavi’s City Corporation has approved a proposal to increase property tax by 3% for 2025-26. The decision was taken during the Finance Standing Committee meeting by Netravati Bhagwat. Revenue Deputy Commissioner Reshma Talikoti presented the proposal, emphasizing the need to align property taxes with state government directives and revised valuation guidelines.
In 2024 only substantial increases in property taxes were done. According to the newly released tax calculation, property owners across the city face an average increase of over 50% in their tax bills compared to the previous year.
In addition to the property tax hike, the committee approved a 10% increase in the rent for city-owned grounds. Talikoti stated that the increase was essential for the upcoming financial year as part of revenue generation efforts. Committee members, including President Bhagwat, questioned the necessity of the tax hike, but Talikoti clarified that the state government mandates a minimum 3% to a maximum 5% annual increase in property tax. The approved 3% hike adheres to these directives and awaits final approval during the general body meeting before implementation.
The rent increase for city corporation-owned grounds also sparked detailed discussions. Grounds in the south division were included in the proposal, prompting member Hanmant Kongali to question the absence of grounds from the north division. Nitin Jadhav inquired about the last rent hike, which was implemented in 2019 during the administrative period.
Currently, event fees for grounds vary by venue, but the proposed 10% hike aims to standardize and boost revenue from these properties.