Why are Acton's property taxes so high? (part 2)

I am doing a series of articles on Acton's property taxes. We are starting by asking "Why are Acton's property taxes so high?" We will ask the same question to various current and former town leaders to see what they say and listen to their perspective.

First up is Clint Seward. Clint has served on Acton's Finance Committee and on the Republican Town Committee and has lived in Acton for over 25 years. He is also an editor of Acton Forum. We talked with Clint recently to get his thoughts on this question:

Why are Acton's property taxes so high?

Clint Seward's edited reply:

Because there is no check and balance to the taxing authority, other than Proposition 2 1/2.

Our town leaders ask themselves, "How much can we get under Proposition 2 1/2 without an override," and that's how much we tax.

It doesn't relate to what's needed. It relates to what they'd like to have. And it always goes up every year....

Article continues on www.ActonForum.com at:

http://www.actonforum.com/story/why-are-actons-property-taxes-so-high-part-2

Part One is here: http://www.actonforum.com/blogs/allenn/acton-forum-launch-debate-property-taxes