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Fair Haven board weighs 1% option tax, considers $220,000 earmark for sidewalks and lighting
Summary
Board discussed placing a 1% local option tax on the March ballot to raise an estimated $250,000–$500,000 and a proposal to earmark about $220,000 of that revenue for sidewalks and lighting if approved; members debated reserve allocations and whether to frame the ask as an advisory question.
Chair (speaker 1) led a detailed budget conversation and proposed asking voters in March to approve a 1% local option tax to raise funds for capital projects. "If the 1% option tax were to go through, then I'd ask you to earmark 220,000 for... to do that so that you're not going out asking for money or anything else," the Chair said, urging the board to tie specific sidewalk and lighting projects to the ballot question.
Public Works staff (speaker 3) and other members pressed on specifics: where the sidewalks and lighting would be installed and whether the $450,000 sidewalk figure included lighting. Members debated putting an advisory question on the ballot versus a binding appropriation, noting that an advisory vote can create community expectations to complete a project if it passes. The board directed staff to prepare draft warrant language and additional options for a follow-up meeting.
The exchange also covered fiscal framing: several members said they wanted the board to try to keep the overall tax increase below 5% to preserve voter support, while acknowledging construction and vehicle costs have risen substantially. The Chair asked staff to bring a finalized draft warning and multiple scenarios for a follow-up meeting so voters can be shown clear choices.
