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Spencer board hears residents’ concerns as staff recommends modest 2¢ tax‑rate increase
Summary
At a June 5 pre‑agenda meeting the Town of Spencer held a public hearing on the proposed FY2025–26 budget. Residents warned rising assessments are pricing out longtime homeowners; staff outlined a $5.0 million recommended budget, cuts tied to ending ARPA funding, a proposed flat $1,200 pay increase for full‑time staff and a recommended 2¢ tax‑rate increase that the board may vote on June 10.
The Town of Spencer Board of Aldermen heard three public commenters and extensive staff briefings June 5 as the board considered a recommended FY2025–26 budget that staff said totals about $5,000,000 and represents a 13% overall decrease from the current year and a 7% drop in the general fund.
The public hearing drew residents who said higher appraisals and municipal rates are squeezing longtime homeowners. "Families that have held on here for generations are being priced out of a town that they fought to keep alive," Leslie Talbot told the board, citing a 67% jump in her home's appraised value since 2017. Greg Bennett, a retiree, said his property tax bill "went up 62% from 2022 to 2023" and urged the board to limit future increases. Carla Gray urged the board to remember that the apparent budget decrease largely reflects the end of…
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