[RP TownTalk] Budget and tax rate process

[Dannielle Glaros]

One thing that may be on interest is how college park handles  
assessments.  They have a cap for homeowners much like Prince  
George's County.  I forget the figure, but someone could call CP.   
Rental properties are assessed at 10%.  CP instituted this policy to  
discourage rentals and encourage homeownership.  I'm not necessarily  
advocating this for RP, but it may be interesting to look at other  
municipalities.

Also, did anyone see the article on Mt. Rainier in the Gazette.  The  
city is instituting a way to give seniors and those with less income  
a rebate.  Not a lot, but something.

Dannielle

Dannielle Glaros
dmglaros at gmail.com



On May 21, 2007, at 11:12 AM, Dwight Holmes wrote:

> Personally, I am by no means tired of this discussion -- what could  
> be more useful and important than dialogue about our town property  
> taxes and what we get for them -- now, and in the future.  Like  
> some have already said, I think it's too bad the discussion  
> couldn't have started somewhat sooner -- it does feel a bit rushed,  
> for something as momentous as this is. But it is good to know that  
> there are at least a few meetings to go before things are finalized.
>
> One thing I am hoping for at tonight's meeting is a succinct  
> explanation of the relationship of town property taxes to state  
> property taxes - how each is decided and what each is used for.
>
> Another thing I'm hoping for is a good turnout.  While it's  
> somewhat understandable that people may be a bit cynical about  
> their ability to genuinely influence events on the national scene,  
> the nature of town politics is so entirely different. When ward  
> elections can be won with as few a few dozen votes, and your  
> representative lives no further than a few blocks away, how  
> unfathomable and dismaying is it that (reportedly) zero people  
> turned up at last year's budget meeting?
>
> Dwight (one of the '30-or-so' new homeowners)
>
>
>
> On 5/21/07, Vernon Archer <varcher at gmail.com > wrote:
> Dear residents,
>
> There has been enough electrons sent over the upcoming budget that  
> I'm guessing many of you are already tired of it--even thought it  
> really has yet to start.  I would like to make several quick points  
> to try to clarify the situation.
>
> 1. Tonight begins the budget and taxation process, it doesn't end it.
>
> 2. Come to the hearing and get a detailed overview of the whole  
> budget situation. You will also be able to make comments and ask  
> questions. It begins at 7:30.
>
> 3. Last year the tax rate was voted on at the SIXTH public meeting.
>
> Given the situation this year of a new council and several  
> challenges that we didn't face last year, I'm just hoping we can  
> get that far in a mere six meetings.  There is pressure to get the  
> rate set and to the County by June 8, but THAT IS NOT A  
> REQUIREMENT.  It is much more important that the process be done  
> correctly, not quickly.
>
> 4. The Proposed Budget sent to the Council, along with the Town's  
> reserve funds represent the parameters within which the Council  
> creates a final budget.  Over the next 3 to 5 weeks the council  
> will need to decide how much to spend, tap reserves, and tax.
>
> I have every confidence that the Budget that the Council passes  
> into law will be one that improves our town, is not overly  
> burdensome on tax payers, and adequately compensates town staff. It  
> will be much easier on all of us to reach that goal if we calmly go  
> through what is admittedly a lengthy and tedious process.
>
> Best wishes.
>
> Vern
>
> -- 
> Vernon Archer, Mayor
> Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland
>
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>
> -- 
> ~~
> Map of Riverdale Park MD Trolley Hiker-Biker Trail and Cafritz  
> Property
> http://tinyurl.com/2wsfql
> ~~
> Tracking the Washington Nationals' 2007 season (will they catch the  
> '62 Mets?):
> http://tinyurl.com/2m6f43
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