Woodstock approves millage rate, amphitheater

The Woodstock City Council Monday night adopted a 2015-2016 property tax of 6. 992 mills, a revenue-neutral rollback from last year’s 7.25.

The rollback decision stems from news that the city’s property tax digest for 2015 is up 8.4 percent to some $1.02 billion. City finance director Robert Porche told the council that about 300 assessment appeals remain to be decided. Porche said he expected “some movement” in the final digest as a result of the appeals, although he said it appears the changes would be less than in 2014.

The council also approved a final, roughly $3.24 million contract with ASTRA Group for construction of the long-anticipated amphitheater project. Plans include grass terraced seating for some 5-6,000 people, a bandshell, retaining walls and restrooms.