After the most recent defeat of the Village’s 0.5% income tax increase, it was stated by a Village official that the voters complained about printing too much material in support of the increase in November, then complaining about not having enough information when the issue was raised again in February. Now I can only speak for myself here, others likely have differing views, but my personal call for information is not in the vein of “we need the money, here’s why”. I’m looking for something on this order.
To the electorate of Windham Village:
Recently we decided to once again put the 0.5% Income Tax increase back on the ballot which you will be voting upon May 2. We have come to you each time in the past and explained the need for this increase, owing to past financial oversight on our part, and even more generally an economic downturn.
This increase, if approved, will bring approximately $60,000 in new revenue to the Village. We believe that it is important for you to know how we intend to use this revenue. There is no dispute over the need to improve the Village Police Department. We will, with this new revenue, be able to hire at least one new full-time officer, and possibly two, depending upon the availability of funds outside of this new revenue. We will also be able to take approximately $10,000 to improve the Department facility, as has been requested by Police Chief DeSalvo. Though this will not be able to fulfil every need of the Department, we hope that we can take a good first step in the right direction.
We also will use $15,000 to improve the equipment of the Streets Department. The Village workers have been working with some out of date equipment which needs updated.
In the second and third years of the increase, we also intend to continue to improve both Departments, along with other needs of the Village which may come up.
Sincerely,
Windham Village Council and Administrators
To me, that would go a long way in alleviating some concerns that I have. Plus, it nails each of their tails to the wall when it comes to spending the revenue that WE GIVE the Village.
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