Burns Harbor residents opposed to a requested jump in annual collections for the cumulative capital development fund from $29,805 to approximately $202,066 let a state hearing officer know Friday why they don’t want their taxes increased to pay for it.
“We’re being stretched to the limit. Please do not allow this tax,” urged Gayle Van Loon, who carried the remonstrance petition that prompted the hearing attended by 21 people.
Three Town Council members and others said it’s imperative the town be allowed to raise more money.
“I never thought I’d be here saying something in favor of a tax increase, but it seems to me the town is robbing Peter to pay Paul just to survive,” commented Brad Enslen.
If the council’s request is approved, the CCDF rate would go from just over one-half cent now to $0.04 per each $100 of assessed valuation. The tax impact is estimated to be about $38 per year for a newer home and $60 per year for commercial properties.
Department of Local Government Finance hearing officer Kurt Ott, who conducted the rare field hearing, said the DLGF will issue its CCDF decision in about 10 days. The revised tax rate, which could be set at less than $0.04, would take effect in 2013.
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