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Select-board candidates outline differing approaches to a near-$1,000 tax increase
Summary
Select-board candidates debated causes and remedies for a potential $969 average household tax increase, offering measures from stricter project accounting and attracting businesses to a residential-exemption option that would reduce bills for many qualifying households.
The forum turned to municipal finance as select-board candidates addressed a potential average property-tax increase near $969 per household. Kelly Collins urged comprehensive project review and a tighter process to avoid unplanned costs, saying "we've got to have the whole picture" before bringing large projects to town meeting.
Mark Silverberg said he would "listen to everybody" and avoid re-litigating past town-meeting votes while seeking forward-looking solutions. Conklin argued for deep spending cuts and questioned large renovation projects, suggesting the town could pursue smaller repairs rather than full rebuilds.
Patrick Walsh emphasized the town’s fiscal position, telling the audience that "we just achieved the triple a bond rating again," and said much of the potential $969 increase stems from fixed costs. Walsh proposed five actions, including supporting a residential-exemption option he said would qualify about 74% of residents and reduce the average qualifying household’s bill by roughly $160. Silverberg cautioned that a residential exemption shifts tax burden to those who don’t qualify. Candidates largely agreed that identifying efficiencies and encouraging commercial development are part of the solution, but they differed on immediacy and scope.
