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Crofton Special Tax District Voters
met Tuesday night [January 16, 2000] and decided to increase their taxes by 1¢ per $100 of
evaluation (from 26¢ to 27¢), to undertake needed maintenance and renewal
projects. After about an hour and a half of discussion, the final vote was
161 of 214 (75%) voting YES to the board's proposed budget, according to
town secretary, Sue Bents.
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The 3.8% increase in the tax rate, plus funds already set aside in previous years, will support COLA and merit increases for District employees, the purchase of a new police cruiser and radio dispatch system, renewal of the HVAC system at the town hall, correction of a drainage problem at Swann Park, creation of a passive park area at Rt. 450 and Good Hope Drive, and the restoration of funding for long range community planning.
The vote contrasted with an angry reaction to the proposed district budget last year, resulting in a 1¢ drop in the tax rate at that time. There was some criticism of the budget proposed this year as well, including assertions that the current budget suffers from waste in the areas of maintenance and police patrols outside the tax district. Some residents who pitch in to correct maintenance deficiencies in public areas were critical of the district for not taking care of things better.
Overall, however, there was broad support for the activities supported by the tax district, and several attendees commented favorably on the police and maintenance efforts in Crofton. Others were impressed with the clarity of the budget presentation. Board members noted that the tax rate in Crofton is at its lowest level since incorporation of the tax district, and this combined with perceptions of good value appeared to carry the vote decisively for the proposed tax increase.
Crofton residents joined tens of thousands of Americans from across the country in Washington, D.C. Saturday [January 20, 2001] in counter-inaugural marches to protest the U.S. Supreme Court's anti-democracy decision awarding the presidency to George W. Bush. Initial reports, including exclusive pictures and video are available here with much more coming very soon. Please stay tuned!
The drive for a Crofton High School continues, as parents of elementary school children count the lead years required before a new facility can actually open. You may want to express your opinion, or sign the electronic petition.