During a recent government meeting, town officials discussed critical issues including property tax levies and infrastructure maintenance. The council addressed the need for a systematic approach to repair town infrastructure, acknowledging that many items require annual maintenance and replacement.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the public hearing regarding Ordinance 798, which proposes a 1% increase in the property tax levy. This increase, amounting to approximately $4,298 for the entire town, is intended to help cover rising costs, particularly an 11% increase in property and liability insurance. Officials emphasized that the additional revenue is essential for maintaining town services, despite concerns raised by residents about the timing of the tax increase request before the budget is finalized.

Council members explained that the state mandates certain deadlines for tax levies, which necessitates this process occurring before the completion of the budget. This has led to some confusion among residents regarding how the tax increase will affect their individual property taxes. Officials clarified that the 1% increase applies only to the town's portion of property taxes, which constitutes a small fraction of the total tax bill that residents pay, with the majority going to schools and other districts.

The council unanimously approved the property tax levy increase, highlighting its importance for the town's financial health. Additionally, the meeting included the reappointment of two members to the town's EV's Reserve Trust Board, ensuring continuity in leadership for this important community resource.

Overall, the discussions underscored the town's ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for essential services and infrastructure maintenance.