Report by Paula Antolini, April 6, 2019, 10:32AM EDT
To the Editor:
A good way for Bethel taxpayers to communicate their opposition to excessive spending in the 2019-2020 budget to town officials is by modifying the title of Meghan Trainor’s 2014 song “All About The Bass” and voting no!
While the original lyrics unabashedly objectify the female posterior, a poetic alteration provides a perfect taxpayer battle cry: “It’s All About the Base”
Advocacy for the various interests that re-elect them biennially has resulted in Bethel officials supporting a nearly 5% spending increase in municipal base spending for the coming year! An unrealistic, excessive percentage to most taxpayers.
While Grand List revenue will blunt the proposed tax increase to around 2.4% for one year, the millions in increased spending will be with taxpayers forever!
Whether it be the Educational Enhancement Act of the 80’s, the Community Policing grant of the 90’s, the “shovel ready” Obama Stimulus or robust Grand List growth, these revenues are temporary while the increase to municipal base spending is forever. These revenues always raise taxes for property owners forever
Sadly, Federal and state grants to “help” municipalities ultimately lands on the backs of homeowners and business and motorists.
Local tax hikes caused by this massive spending hike will only be compounded by inevitable tolls, taxes and fees coming from Gov. Lamont. Bethel with one of the highest equalized tax rates in the area is poised to vote on the highest municipal base spending hike we’ve seen in years. Taxing people out of Bethel Connecticut has to stop … and … “It’s All About The Base” “Vote No-Too High” Thursday April 11th.
Billy Michael, Chairman B.A.C.
Bethel CT
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