So people, feelings on being asked for a 3-million-dollar override - increase in real estate taxes?
Using rounded numbers, every $1 increase in the tax rate adds roughly $1.1m in revenue. Adding $3 to the tax rate would add an additional $3.3m to the overall annual budget.
As an example of what this means, if a property was valued at $400k, the $3 increase would result in a $1,200 increase in that property's annual tax bill ($300 per quarterly billing).
Remember also that for the first year of an override , the additional money has to go to the stated purpose, then in following years, those extra dollars just get added to the pile on the table and can go towards anything. Roads in Templeton are much the same in other towns, terrible and even when paved, the important parts are left undone, drainage, water main, sidewalks, etc.
No way, José. Muchas gracias señor.
ReplyDeleteRemember those roughly 1485 senior citizens whose average SSA increase amounted to $468 for the year. A husband and wife average increase of $936. We'd be pushing our seniors into a corner as they would be going backwards just based on real estate taxes. Nevermind food, fuel, heat, water, sewer(4%).
ReplyDeleteTodays employment report shows 92,000 jobs lost compared to the expected 55,000 they thought would be added. Unemployment rate goes up to 4.4%
I know some will say, well seniors get tax exemption/abatements. Sure, 20 of those 1485 seniors can work off $500 in taxes at present.
As has been presented by the Board/TA and the School Committee as of today, 3/6/26 the towns budget is in deficit some $3,200,000.
The School Committee at the 3/5/26 meeting stated the school budget is presently $2,000,000 in deficit.
We just recently approved by town vote a new School roof which is going to work out to around $5,000,000 over 20-30 years.
Now a group of citizens ( at least 10) propose we ad a $3,000,000 override to ad full time staff to 2 town departments and cover the school increase.
OK, so now with all that under your belts I want to ask a question.
Can anyone tell me what we do next year when the school again needs more monies, the fire and Police department and DPW want additional equipment, men, gear. Do we look to another override?
I think our methods have to change. This "same ole thing" is not working.
Economic conditions don't factor here one bit, in my mind. A booming private sector economy cannot translate to a booming public sector.
ReplyDeleteGovernment employment is a leach. Every CO² maker on the public teat should be constantly reviewed to decide whether we can do without him. Departments should be afraid to ask for more money, lest we sever their umbilical cord.
We won't need ambulance service from TFD. Chief Mighty Empire of Winchendon wants to operate from the treatment center on Hospital Hill Road.
ReplyDeletehttps://winchendoncourier.net/
I'm noticing the "For Sale" signs going up around town.
ReplyDelete"A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well."
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how to cut a budget..
ReplyDeleteAppears the selectboard and advisory are afraid of feelings. Steve Castle has a plan tho.
That was a budget review with Department Heads. It was not the occasion to cut sections of the Budget. That is what is happening over the next couple weeks.
DeleteThey say they have a big deficit but nobody really knows the breakout of the deficit. Is it because of the schools,tctv, added positions. Members questioned TA on the level service budget but positions were added. It isn't clear for residents.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand why it isn't clear for residents. The Selectboard and advisory really had their first look at the budget Thursday of last week.
DeleteSaturday Department heads came in and defended the request for funding. Now it is up to the Selectboard to tell the TA how to proceed.
The Selectboard apparently is going to be required to go through and deduct and funding sources they feel are over the top.
From looking at the presentation it appears the town will be doing some trimming since the last few Boards liked to spend one time monies for regular business expenses.
What is very clear to this taxpayer is this: I want the budget slashed. I want to pay lower taxes. I will never consider voting yes for a general override.
DeleteI completely understand and feel the same.
DeleteThe proposed override amounts to $2.88 per $1000. I'd like you to think this for a minute. $2.88 is literally an increase of 24.2% on our 11.87 tax rate as it sits presently. Thats a 24.2% increase in your overall real estate tax and for what?
The $2,000,000 to the school is only the request for fiscal year 2027. What do we do next year. In the past 3 years I believe the request from the school amounted to $1,000,000 in fy25 and $800,000 in FY 26.
To even attempt to satisfy those past increases we have spent $645,000 in one time funds. We spent $430,000 in FY25 and $215,000 in FY 26. All this money being spent and the only valid agreement we have is from 1977 and does not include many services we provide now.
Who is proposing the override?
ReplyDeleteJohn Caplis brought it to the Town Clerks Office, but I'm 90% sure Noel Francis wrote at least the most of the petition.
DeleteJohn Caplis has hurt many people. He should be ashamed of himself and stay out of public light. He is an embarrassment to Templeton. I'm not including his penalty from ethics.
DeleteHooray for the vinyl siding installer. Good for him.
DeleteIs Caplis installing vinyl siding?? That could be a problem..
DeleteIt doesn't really matter because what was said at the Select Board meeting is that the language was worded incorrectly. I'm not surprised considering (from what was said) Caplis submitted it.
DeleteMike Currie and John Caplis want to support Casavant
ReplyDelete