From Michael A. Boyce
Monroe
To the editor:
As the Ward 3 alderperson for the last four years, I've listened to taxpayers concerns and hopes for Monroe. What I hear most about is the cost of property taxes and fees and their effects on a homeowner's ability to afford, maintain and sell their home. People want taxpayers to be put ahead of city bureaucracy, and they expect leadership from elected officials.
Those on fixed incomes worry about being able to afford their homes. Families fear foreclosure because of the tax and fee burden. Sellers of homes are frustrated by declining values. Employers are concerned over housing necessary to attract qualified employees. Nobody ever asked me to raise taxes.
Our homes are typically our largest asset. They represent investment in our community. We raise our children in them. We grow old in them. They provide us security and comfort, which lead to positive social, economic, family and civic outcomes. Increases in the value of our home allow us to leave our children and families better off than before.
The community's housing generates 60 percent of the city's property taxes. Housing values have decreased 10 percent since 2009, but total spending and taxes have gone up every year. Property taxes in Monroe as a percentage of a property's value are among the highest in the nation.
The challenge of municipal leaders is to find fair and equitable solutions to protect taxpayers, especially the most vulnerable; and to strengthen public services and those who perform them, while lowering taxes.
Two-thirds of the city's budget is employee wages and benefits. These range from a low of $47,000 to a high of $123,000.All employees received raises in 2013 and 2014 in total of almost $400,000. In 2013, some received raises over $10,000. City employees are treated fairly by taxpayers.
This last budget cycle, I introduced an innovative budget that was fair and equitable to all and represented the concerns and hopes of taxpayers. It lowered taxes by 8.2 percent, maintained all staffing and service levels, reduced borrowing, and fully funded department heads' capital requests. I am also providing leadership by introducing an alternative that significantly reduces the city's proposed 17-percent water rate increase.
The tax and fee structure of Monroe can be improved with leadership and innovation. Doing so represents what taxpayers expect from elected officials. On April 1, I am seeking re-election as Ward 3 Alderperson, and I respectfully ask for your vote.
Monroe
To the editor:
As the Ward 3 alderperson for the last four years, I've listened to taxpayers concerns and hopes for Monroe. What I hear most about is the cost of property taxes and fees and their effects on a homeowner's ability to afford, maintain and sell their home. People want taxpayers to be put ahead of city bureaucracy, and they expect leadership from elected officials.
Those on fixed incomes worry about being able to afford their homes. Families fear foreclosure because of the tax and fee burden. Sellers of homes are frustrated by declining values. Employers are concerned over housing necessary to attract qualified employees. Nobody ever asked me to raise taxes.
Our homes are typically our largest asset. They represent investment in our community. We raise our children in them. We grow old in them. They provide us security and comfort, which lead to positive social, economic, family and civic outcomes. Increases in the value of our home allow us to leave our children and families better off than before.
The community's housing generates 60 percent of the city's property taxes. Housing values have decreased 10 percent since 2009, but total spending and taxes have gone up every year. Property taxes in Monroe as a percentage of a property's value are among the highest in the nation.
The challenge of municipal leaders is to find fair and equitable solutions to protect taxpayers, especially the most vulnerable; and to strengthen public services and those who perform them, while lowering taxes.
Two-thirds of the city's budget is employee wages and benefits. These range from a low of $47,000 to a high of $123,000.All employees received raises in 2013 and 2014 in total of almost $400,000. In 2013, some received raises over $10,000. City employees are treated fairly by taxpayers.
This last budget cycle, I introduced an innovative budget that was fair and equitable to all and represented the concerns and hopes of taxpayers. It lowered taxes by 8.2 percent, maintained all staffing and service levels, reduced borrowing, and fully funded department heads' capital requests. I am also providing leadership by introducing an alternative that significantly reduces the city's proposed 17-percent water rate increase.
The tax and fee structure of Monroe can be improved with leadership and innovation. Doing so represents what taxpayers expect from elected officials. On April 1, I am seeking re-election as Ward 3 Alderperson, and I respectfully ask for your vote.
