I read with interest the front page article in the NDN yesterday, quoting the town tax assessor, Mr Dave Robert, about a potential 22 percent property tax increase in Tiverton. Mr Robert says that any such increase in impossible: it simply cannot happen, he says.
Mr Robert is wrong. It is a distinct possibility if the taxpayers approve either the Pallash amendment or the School Committee budget: $25.6 million total appropriated with $20.9 million from local sources. These proposals put the Tiverton taxpayer on the hook for the $25.6 M total, despite what Mr Robert says. So, if the FTM approves the total amount ($25.6M), you, the taxpayer, will be responsible for filling the gap. Worst case—that is, zero additional funding from outside sources—the money will have to be found, and it will come from raising your property taxes. The state is facing a 450 million dollar deficit next year, and local aid is the first thing to get cut. Whatever the total aid number turns out to be, you, the taxpayer are on the hook to pay. Mr. Robert is being disingenuous saying otherwise.
Mr. Robert’s numbers are also incorrect. He says the max tax levy is 7.31% (it’s actually 7.39%), but he didn’t include the municipal request, which if passed, will add another 1% percent to the tax levy, not counting the 5 million in additional liabilities if the state and federal aid does not come through. Bottom line, your property taxes will go up from a minimum of 7.39% to a maximum of 23%, if the Pallasch/School Committee amendments and the municipal budget request are approved.
I note Mr. Roberts’ outright dismissal of the tax liability for the $5M in outside aid, plus his failure to include the total for both school and municipal budgets and I’m wondering if he isn’t taking sides in this debate.
There’s also another issue: Mr. Robert approached a member of the Budget Committee after we voted 6-5 to change the Town Planner from full time to part time status, and said: “Nothing personal, but your taxes are going way up because of this.” It turns out the Planner is a particular friend of Mr. Robert, and this sounded like a threat for punitive action based on the Committee’s vote. This is a matter of public record and was entered into the minutes of the Budget Committee.
In summary, if either proposal is approved at the FTM, the Tiverton taxpayer will see an immediate property tax increase of 7.39%. Add 1% if the municipal request is approved, equals a minimum of over 8%, plus total liability of up to 23%, depending upon outside aid. Remember, you’re on the hook if there’s an aid shortage!
I suggest you consider both the accuracy of Mr. Robert’s numbers and his motivations as you consider your vote at the FTM. Best Bet: vote for the Nelson/Budget Committee budget, a 4.5% tax increase with no taxpayer liability.
Tom Parker
Tiverton
Mr. Parker is a member of the Tiverton Budget Committee
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