Can someone put real dollars to the new budget increases for me?

[kpplus2]

So the town wants a 5.2% increase for a bunch of items. The School wants an increase as well which I cant seem to find the real numbers compared to last year. Can someone please tell us what the dollar amounts (increase) would be per $1000.00 dollar of assessed value if these budget increases were to pass? I have seen the percentage differences between last year and the proposed budget however, I cant seem to find what the actual dollar impact would be on our property taxes. Usually I can find a statement that says something like "with these increases the average family home valued at X would see a tax increase of X" and I cant seem to find that.  Those numbers would be helpful in my vote coming up?

Thanks in advance

[ohhman]

Per the mailing we received from school board, the budget reflects a 3.17% increase so,  for property value of 100k=$20.00 increase;  150k=$31.00 increase; 200k=$40.00 increase; 250k=$51.00; 300k=$60.00.    This is for the school only. Not sure of what the town is other than the 5.?% increase.

[kpplus2]

Per the mailing we received from school board, the budget reflects a 3.17% increase so,  for property value of 100k=$20.00 increase;  150k=$31.00 increase; 200k=$40.00 increase; 250k=$51.00; 300k=$60.00.    This is for the school only. Not sure of what the town is other than the 5.?% increase.

That's what I was looking for!  Its like when you buy a car you know what your getting just looking for the payment. Now if I could get that for the requested town increase I could add it up and see if it makes financial sense to vote for it. Thanks for the info that helped.

[mkr]

This will be all presented at the town meeting.  I spoke to a select board member about your request on impact of town side of increase to your property taxes and should have something for you at the meeting. If they have something sooner I will receive it and put it up.

I am a big fan of taking the questions to the Select Board.  They have always been easy for me to contact as I am sure they will be for you all as well.

If you cannot attend the meeting it will be recorded I am just not sure it will be available in time for you to view prior to voting, but  could be wrong.

[kpplus2]

Thanks for the info MKR as always! the reason I asked if anyone knew the numbers is I have to work on town meeting day. It would be helpful if they could post the details on the town web site prior for all to see so folks can gather their questions for town meeting day; for the ones who are able to attend. What I did find at the web site was the warning of town meeting and the some of the details which is good,  I was looking for what the 5.2% increase was for and I guess some of it is in the warning.

http://www.fairfax-vt.gov/index.asp?SEC=FA6AEE5E-28A2-45B8-BF42-DE813B490352&DE=EB775301-7B85-40ED-A5DD-C69B77E340B7&Type=B_BASIC

I happen to be reading the St. Albans messenger and caught the Fairfax town article on what they want to increase, what they want to buy etc. I guess I feel that I should not have to call or contact the select board, or attend meetings, just to find out basic budget information, especially with a vote coming up. I believe the information should be published for all to see. I shouldn't have to dig for it to deep (in my opinion). Now specific questions that are not necessarily ones that "Joe Q" public might have then yes you are spot on. So bottom line it is what it is and if I want specifics I will contact the elected officials or attend Saturday.

Thanks Again 

[mkr]

The Budget is about 2.5% increase and then there are the warned items and bond that makes up the total %

[mkr]

Ask and you shall receive. Also I told them how it would be nice to have this on the web in the future and the plan is to do that next year now thanks to your suggestion

I have to add that working with this current Select Board over the past several months on other issues has been nothing but a positive experience. They respond to all questions I have asked promptly and with details.  Next year they want to put out an opportunity two weeks prior to Town Meeting, an opportunity to send all questions any may have to them and they can be sure to respond in the meeting. Again, the meeting is taped, so if you cannot attend you will be able to view the video.

2015 Proposed Municipal Tax Rate Estimate

    2014               v.               2015
$1,881,328          v.           $1,978,229   $96,901 increase  (*if all warned items pass)

2014 Tax Rate  $  .4656
2015 Tax Rate  $  .4895

Effective Increase on Properties (by value)
$100,000            $23.90
$150,000            $35.85
$200,000            $47.80
$250,000            $59.75
$300,000            $71.70
$350,000            $83.65
$400,000            $95.60

[kpplus2]

MKR This is why you are the best!! Thank you very much for all your work! (MKR for select board?) anyway I digress. This is great, this gives folks a clear way to see what the real impact will be for their dollars; Also giving folks a chance to review and see if they have questions for town meeting day. I love it! real numbers, transparency and great work by all. I thank you again.

Looking at the numbers I believe the School and the town have been nicely conservative and have put out reasonable budgets. Anyone that knows me knows I'm super conservative when it comes to our budgets. I'm not a fortune teller however I think this budget is worth passing on both the School and the town. Thank you Ohmann and MKR! I like the fact this will be posted next year on the town site that makes perfect sense. 

[mkr]

My pleasure and I also agree they worked really hard to make the budget with a reasonable increase.

I also posted this on the Fairfax, VT Facebook page as well.

[tfence]

I want to thank both the school and town budget committees for doing such a great job in keeping the increases at a responsible limit. Thanks