Election 2011: President Canididates Answer Whether Village Can Do More to Ease Tax Burden

In the face of rising taxes from other local taxing bodies, what more can the village do to lessen the burden on taxpayers?

As I stated at the Toastmasters’ forum, this issue has three aspects. 

First, the village cannot control what other governments do in terms of spending money.  The reason taxes go up is because spending goes up.  If you want to control the 98 percent of your property tax bill that is assigned to other governments, you have to vote for the leaders of those governments that will do that. 

Next, we have been very careful with your money.  We have made painful choices, and cut $3 million from the budget in the last two years.  So, yes, we are doing everything we can to avoid tax increases. 

Finally, it is critical that we are mindful of the impact of our decisions.  As I stated publicly, if we approve a dense development that adds 1000 children to the school district, instead of a development that is less dense that adds 500 children, the school district has to raise your taxes more. 

So, one thing I want to accomplish in my next term is a new comprehensive plan that is less dense before growth starts again.

This is the toughest issue facing Oswego, because it requires us to cut back based on the other taxing bodies’ decisions.

The first thing the village can do is help Oswego Township voters vote no on the Senior Center referendum. The village must stand firm in declaring that tax increases will not be accepted. Continuing to cut the budget must also be an option.

Our taxpayers do not have any more money to give the village or any other local unit of government. Every taxpayer dollar must be spent judiciously and efficiently. Our residents should expect nothing less of the village.

The Village can work to bring business and commercial development to our area to broaden our tax base. While we have no control over the taxes assessed by the other taxing bodies, I believe we all need to work together to encourage our various boards to remain fiscally responsible and continue to offer the services mandated by law.