Resident urges millage transparency as assessed values surge
Summary
Resident Butch Harper told the commission that assessed property values rose from roughly $400 million to $730 million over five years and asked the town to publish, each year, the millage that would raise the same revenue as the prior year to show the gap caused by appraisal increases.
Butch Harper, a resident at 124 Lighthouse, addressed the commission during the final budget hearing and warned that recurring spending can become anchored to a valuation peak. "At that pace, we cross 1000000000 dollars within 5 years," Harper said, and urged clearer reporting: "Put that number next to the rate you're proposing in plain sight and explain the gap."
Harper argued the town should annually publish the millage rate that would raise the same revenue as the year before so residents can see whether increases come from policy choices or appraisal-driven revenue gains. The commission heard the request during the hearing as staff outlined the assessed value growth and reserve planning; no formal vote followed Harper's comment, but commissioners indicated interest in transparency.
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