Almost final taxes

Tonight’s meeting gave an in depth look at finances that at first glance look pretty good, the Greenwood tax rate is going to decline, which means there is some efficiency in spreading the costs across a larger area. However when you apply that rate to current unincorporated Center Grove and Smith Valley residents they are going to see an increase.  In an example presented at the meeting each of four homes used as examples in WRT saw an increase in property taxes of at least 18.2%. While each home in the Greenwood example declined. However those estimates are not final. When we get the final numbers? Not sure, don’t know, and I am not going to guess.

White River Township Board member Mark Messick suggested we get out in front of this now and start talking to the citizens so they can begin to learn the information. However Greenwood Mayor Charles Henderson and council member Ron Deer were adamant that the numbers not be put in front of the public until they have the final, final, numbers and concrete examples of what you get for the increased taxes.  However the numbers are out there. The Daily Journal published examples and the committee wanted to make it clear those numbers may not be 100% accurate but they are at least representative of what is likely to happen.

Will residents stand for an 18 to 19% property tax increase? Mark Messick thinks not, he thinks somewhere around 10% is far more likely to be accepted.  But how much is 19%?  Depends on the house you live in, 19% could be $400 or $3,600.  Pat Sherman told me after the meeting that if I send him a few sample addresses he’ll provide the estimated tax increase. I will take him up on that offer and have those numbers for you later this week.

Remember the fire department stays the same, the library stays the same, your kids go to the same school pay the same school tax, you still have law enforcement, Greenwood Police instead of the county sheriff, plus a promise of more parks and better roads. Is that worth the additional money?

That is the education curve the council and board face if they each pass this proposal.  Will enough residents of White River Township see the advantages the plan claims to offer or the disadvantages of doing nothing to vote yes?  The vote on May 10, 2010 is not that far off. Is there time to “sell it” to the public? Is the plan even “sellable” with more time?

Post your thoughts and we’ll keep the information flowing.

Related posts (Automatically generated):

1. WRT Board Meets Tuesday