CINDY HARRIS
TAX SHIFT VOTE
A “Business Friendly” Tax Shift vote on the “Tax Rate” is “Homeowner Unfriendly”. Last year a “Business Friendly” Tax Shift Factor resulted in the average homeowner seeing a real estate tax increase of 4.9% while Home Depot’s property on East Main St. increased 1.6%. For the second year in a row, my proposed “Tax Shift Factor” was amended and thereby defeated in favor of a “Business Friendly” Tax Shift Factor.
My motions in 2014 and 2015 -both defeated by amendments- would have produced a 2.5% total increase for the homeowner over the last two years. Instead, the total average two year increase for the homeowner has been 7.9%.
In Westfield we have had a Split Rate system since July 1981. It has not scared business away. Many of our largest Commercial-Industrial companies came to Westfield after the split rate was established (presently 19.44/36.68) 35 years ago.
I will again at the upcoming Tax Shift-Tax Rate hearing propose a ”Homeowner Friendly” Tax Shift Factor. Hopefully, the result will make up for the votes of 2014 and 2015 and produce the lowest possible Homeowner tax rate.
VETERANS DAY
Another Veterans Day is upon us and as a Daughter of a Korean War Casualty I extend my heartfelt thanks to all Veterans who protected the U.S. throughout time and their families. You are always in my thoughts.
I also would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those actively serving—and their families as they protect us now. HEROES ALL!
Cindy Harris, Councillor-At- Large
