Spending and Taxes

We all recognize that property taxes are needed to maintain municipal services. But taxes that are too high are destructive of a healthy community. Taxes that are too high deprive low-income families of the money they need to maintain the family household. They also deter newcomers from moving to Midland, as they often choose to buy homes in Tiny with its lower tax rate.

Our tax growth is a result of our cost growth. We brought KPMG in to advise us on how to better control cost growth. Following that plan has allowed Midland to make significant progress on reining in tax growth. The numbers speak for themselves.

                Year       Municipal Tax Rate Increase

                2014                       0.46%

                2013                       1.74%

                2012                       0.57%

                2011                       2.06%

                2010                       3.77%

                2009                       1.08%

                2008                       3.31%

                2007                       4.74%

                2006                       6.74%

                2005                       3.82%

Over the last four years tax increases have averaged just 1.2%. Over the previous six years they averaged 3.9%. Forward projections by Town staff indicate that we are on track to maintain our tax discipline.

To keep Midland moving forward, we need to control municipal spending and taxation growth. My basic position is that taxes must be brought to a sustainable level for everyone in our community. Tax increases will occur only if needed, at or below the rate of inflation.