Burlington Selectmen Set FY14 Property Tax Rates

Burlington has a split tax rate, meaning the rates are different for residential properties and CIP (Commercial, Industrial, Personal Property) properties.

Per usual, the board was given six options for the tax rates that were presented by Town Appraiser/Assistant Assessor James Doherty, Town Accountant Paul Sagarino, Jr and Burlington Treasurer/Collector Brian Curtin. 

In total the town needs to raise $92,111,310 in taxes, approximately $3.5 million more than last year. 

The three presenters recommended Option D, which would have the least impact on residents. That option, which increases the residential rate by 3.28 percent and the CIP rate by 4.4 percent. That option was eventually approved 5-0 after some discussion by the board. 

On the residential side this means that for an average single family home valued at 387,500 the homeowner would see a $116 increase in their tax bill. 

Before the vote there was some discussion about looking into options not already on the table. Selectman Ralph Patuto floated the idea of finding a way to have a zero percent increase, especially for residents. 

Patuto argued that tax increases have a big impact on Burlington's senior population, which is growing. He said some people are looking into moving into senior living because they can't afford to stay in their homes. 

Patuto suggested the town could pay down the $3.5 million tax levy increase by using money from the town's stabilization fund. 

Town Administrator John Petrin said the stabilization fund currently has about $5.5 million and taking that amount of it would leave the town vulnerable. The fund is in place in case of sudden emergencies, such as a large sewer break, and should actually be higher than it is now. The amount a municipality has in its stabilization fund also affects in bond rating. 

Curtin said that with planning it could be possible to use money from the stabilization fund to make up at least a part of future tax levy increases. 

Petrin also pointed out that Option D was the best option for residents. He also said that while the town's CIP rate is competitive with other area communities, Burlington's residential rate is lower than most other communities in the state.