LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Acton Property Taxes Should Not Increase

Are Acton's Property Taxes Too High?

There is a lot of evidence that they are. Of all the cities and towns in Massachusetts, Acton has the 15th highest average property tax bill and the 15th highest property tax rate, yet our per-capita income is 39th and our per-capita EQV (equalized property value) is 106th. In short, our taxes are very high compared to other cities and towns, much higher than our income or "wealth" would indicate they should be. 

On top of this, the current economy has impacted many families. The town and schools have responded by reducing the growth in spending, yet taxes have continued to go up by 2.5% per year, the maximum allowed by Prop 2 1/2 -- and our leaders plan to continue this practice as shown in the Warrant for the April Annual Town Meeting.  This would increase Acton's average property tax bill to almost $10,000 next year. 

We think that this increase is unnecessary. We will be proposing an amendment at Town Meeting on Monday, April 1st, to use $1.6 million of reserves in order to keep property taxes flat for next year. This will save the average taxpayer about $250 and will leave plenty of reserves for emergencies. It will not affect spending levels or budgets next year.

But it will send a signal that automatic tax increases should not be "business as usual" and lower future increases should be considered, especially when times are tough and when our taxes are so out of line compared to most other towns in the state. Our town leaders act like high property taxes are not their concern and nothing can be done.

We have several charts, spreadsheets, and other information on our website that explains our reasoning in more detail. Visit www.ActonForum.com to read more or to comment.  Please come to Town Meeting on Monday, April 1st and support our amendment to the municipal budget to keep our taxes level for next year.

Charlie Kadlec

Paul Revere Road

Allen Nitschelm

Marion Road