Taxes. Another four letter word.
And mainly because the word tax is usually followed by the word “increase”. And usually not a good reason why.
Listen, I do not have any answers for you on this one. The only thing I know is that after we moved here our taxes increased by 18%. Article: Berlin officially adopts 18 percent property tax increase.
Town officials voted Monday, May 13, to move forward on a proposed budget increase that would raise property taxes 18%. The move was made to help Berlin counter a $15 million debt.
For more than a decade, Berlin has not raised the property tax rate, which is currently set at 68 cents for every $100. With this new increase, the rate will now be 80 cents for every $100.
Apparently, this was done to cover a $15m debt, and that came as a result of some severe mismanagement of funds, assets, time, people, etc. I will dig into that for all of us. I am going fresh into the chamber on Day 1 with a new perspective. I have no axes to grind or money to make on a single decision. I do not profit from anything the town may do. I am free and clear to make decisions on my own and solely in the best interest of our constituents — the entire town of Berlin.
I cannot promise that I will not raise our taxes. That would be foolish. But I can say that I, along with other fiscally conservative members of the council will fight tooth and nail to not only not raise them — rather the opposite and find new and creative ways to increase revenues so that we have a SURPLUS. Gradual increases over time are much easier dealt with. Increases in the costs of health care, and gasoline are some of the most volatile expenses we have. Additionally, our town employees are a vital aspect that must be respected, paid well, and enriched in their career path.