HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-17 Public Comment- R. Callahan - General Fund TaxesDear Sir/Madam,
1. Thank you in advance for listening to my comments. My name is Renee Callahan and I
reside at 717 N. Rouse Ave.
2. I am writing today to object to the latest proposal to increase appropriations for street
improvement projects by $5.3 million during FY2017, an amendment that appears to necessitate
an increase in the Arterial & Collector Fund property tax assessment during FY2018.
3. The City projects that the Arterial & Collector Fund, which is funded by City property taxes,
will grow eight times from its inception in FY2016 – when it was $500k - to more than $3.9
million in FY2018. Although it is unclear how the proposed $5.3 million increase in FY2017
appropriations will translate into FY2018 Arterial & Collector property tax assessments, the
accompanying Commission documentation states that "assessments will need to increase by 90%
in the coming year." (at page 334, emphasis added).
4. Although I do not doubt that some street improvements are required, it is unconscionable for
the Commission to continue to approve spiraling increases in property taxes with little or no
thought or consideration for those residents who live on lower or fixed incomes.
5. It is moreover critical that we as a community begin to make hard choices about what our
priorities are, recognizing that we cannot have everything we need or want, if property taxes are
our only source of revenue. Accordingly, I request that the City place a moratorium on any
increases in the Arterial & Collector Fund property tax assessments, pending a re-evaluation of
how taxes to improve our streets compare with expenditures necessary to accommodate other
competing priorities (e.g., new high school, more affordable housing, improved justice center,
etc.).
6. Thank you again for considering my concerns.
Best regards,
Renee Callahan
Property Owner & City Resident
717 N Rouse Ave., Bozeman