In a move that sparked sharp opposition, the Belagavi City Corporation has approved a 3 per cent hike in property tax for the financial year 2026–27. The decision was taken during the general body meeting despite strong objections from opposition corporators.

This marks the second consecutive annual increase, as the civic body had earlier raised property tax by 3 per cent in April 2025. With the latest decision, residents of the city will face back-to-back hikes within two years.

Notably, the proposal to revise property tax was not included in the official agenda circulated for the meeting. The matter was introduced in the House by Council Secretary Sidhu Halloli, after which it was taken up for discussion.

During the deliberations, opposition members firmly opposed the move, arguing that citizens were already under financial strain and that any additional burden would be unjustified. They maintained throughout the discussion that taxes should not be increased under any circumstances.

Government-appointed corporator Ramesh Sontakki questioned municipal officials over the omission of such a significant issue from the official agenda. He termed it improper to deliberate and decide on a major financial matter without prior notice to corporators and sought an explanation for why the proposal had not been formally listed.

Responding to the concerns, Sidhu Halloli stated that a tax revision in the range of 3 to 5 per cent was under consideration. After hearing the views of both the ruling and opposition benches, Mayor Pawar announced that the House had resolved to implement a 3 per cent increase in property tax for the upcoming financial year.