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Homeowners asked to decide tax cap
By LOGAN D. MABE, Times Staff Writer NORTHDALE -- Members of Northdale's taxing board are urging residents to get out and vote -- one way or the other -- on a proposal to increase the homeowners' tax cap from $100 to $120 a year. Some board members fear that if the tax rate is not increased soon, they may have to cut back on some services within the special tax district. The tax rate cap has not been increased since 1989 when it was set at $100, the amount homeowners now pay. The board asked residents four years ago for a rate increase, but it was voted down. Northdale residents can cast their votes at the primary elections on Sept. 10. "I believe that it will be needed and it's something that I want everyone in Northdale to view as a way to keep improving the neighborhood," said board member Manny Garcia. "I've been told by people that sell houses in this area that people want to come to Northdale because of the way it looks, and we want to maintain this look. We certainly need to pay for it." Not all board members agree. At a specially called meeting in April, a motion to place the $20 increase question on the ballot narrowly passed 4-3. In addition to Garcia, board members Bill Castens, Dennis Cooper and Brian Tanberg voted in favor. Board members Ester Lutz, Gary Moore and Winfield Webster voted against the measure. Webster, in particular, said he thought the board could get by on its current budget if money were spent more wisely. Northdale property manager Rick Pitrowski did a budget analysis and told members that the cost of keeping up the neighborhood will rise from $316,361 in 2001 to $350,755 in 2004. Meanwhile, revenue will increase from $302,517 in 2001 to $302,575 in 2003. To cover the shortfall, the tax district has relied on dwindling reserve funds. Areas of service that could be affected if the cap is not raised include lawn and lake maintenance, security patrols, trash pick up and watering in common areas. Raising the tax cap does not mean an automatic increase in the actual tax. That needs to be done during the board's annual budget workshop each spring. -- Logan D. Mabe can be reached at 269-5304 or at mabe@sptimes.com
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From the Times Marlene Sokol |
