HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-17 Public Comment - J. Davant - Taxes and Housing AffordabilityFrom:Jack Davant
To:Agenda
Subject:$81.00 Fee Increase
Date:Monday, June 05, 2017 2:43:32 PM
Dear Mayor and Commissioners:
If the $81a year fee increase described in the Bozeman Chronicle on June 4th is correct, it’s
another blow to those living primarily on Social Security, military retirement, and other fixed pensions.
Increases in those retirement plans are tied to the rate of inflation which, according to
government calculations, has been essentially flat in recent years . Unlike the Commission, those recipients do not have the luxury of voting themselves a raise exceeding the rate of
inflation. The result is taxes and fees take an ever increasing percentage of income. That trajectory is unsustainable.
As a reminder, taxes and fees contribute directly to housing affordability.
The settlement with the former city manager would have covered the proposed $81 fee on
about 2,000 Bozeman homes.
I hope you will keep these thoughts in mind as you contemplate yet more fees and taxes on the residents of Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Jack Davant
802 So Tracy Ave.