Minutes 05/12/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 12, 2020 21) I would like to make a comment on the public hearing item #20-121 real property tax increase. It seems odd that the title and ad refers to an increase but per the city's website it is already at $1.30 shown here. Formula The tax formula for tax year starting July 1, 2017 is: Assessment x tax rate = tax bill Example: Tax Rate: $1.30 per $100 Property Value: $100,000 $100,000 x .0130 = $1,300 Tax Bill Now when you read into the announcement it refers to assessment offset and it is not clear to the reasoning. As stated in the letter from the city manager dated March 23.... "I am pleased to present the Proposed FY 2021 Budget which is balanced at the current real estate tax rate of $1.30, which means there is NO NEW REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX RATE INCREASE for the fifth year in a row. " Please clarify the meaning of this public hearing to understand the proposal to the operating budget. In addition I will reaffirm my past comments at the last council meeting when it comes to the increase of meal taxes and parking fees relative to the observations and solutions offered. The question now is were the solutions even considered? My present comments and solution to today's agenda items of #20-122 A-J in general will be that these items be deferred to a June meeting to give the city manager more time to find savings and cuts to adapt to the present pandemic. It seems unconscionable to raise fees and taxes beyond what is mandated in the city charter on businesses and citizens alike during this time. Let's be clear the track record of recent spending has really shown no consideration to who is really paying the bills. Things like sifting dirt at the Portside site at a cost of $250,000 and buying buildings with no plans for it but then allocate nearly a $1 million to renovate it. The Harbor Center Pavilion is a fiasco now costing with litigation nearly as much as it did to build it originally. These are just to name a few so in summary find the savings and make the cuts that are needed. Remember there will be unspent funds due to the pandemic by the city and specifically the school board. That should be factored into the proposed budget and so far that doesn't seem clear and more the reason to defer the vote now. Tony Goodwin 38 Linden Ave Portsmouth 23704 22) Voicemail "Hi, my name is Kelly Borderline. I'm a resident of Portsmouth. My number is (757) 287-8897 kind of appalling that you guys are trying to increase taxes again. In this area. We currently have the highest taxes for properties in this area, and we have nothing to show for it. Please look at your budget and find ration Cutback City Council you need to do better. November is coming." 23) Voicemail (Added 5/12/20) "My name is John Gabriel for a 4 or 5, 6, or seven call on in relation to the news that lyda, Mrs. Paris. Penn is raising taxes. This is not a good time to do it. A lot of us don't have that capability of escalating our taxes. When the last, some of them already laid off, furloughed or et cetera. So you need to convince her that you have to do it at a later date, because if citizens, the poorest means is not the wealthiest in the area, and where the highest sales are at highest tax people in that area. So, please try to convince her to delay it, go later date until we get back on our feet from this coronavirus. And I appreciate your efforts as much as things are going on right now. You're doing real well. Thank you."