To the editor:
Special Election Alternatives to Remove Proposals for 2½ Real Estate Tax…
Officials in Franklintown often turn to special elections to bypass the Proposition 2½ limit concerning property tax increases. This process isn’t the only option. The overrides stem from how Franklin manages its financial resources. One effective alternative is to implement a split property tax rate. By establishing different rates for homeowners compared to businesses and industrial properties, the community can avoid the conflicts that arise when relying on special elections to address budget shortfalls.
Massachusetts has 351 cities and towns, many of which successfully utilize varied property tax rates for residential, industrial, and commercial real estate. In Norfolk County, five municipalities adopt a split property tax approach.
This split tax rate can particularly benefit young families with working parents and older residents who wish to remain in their homes, relying on pensions, Social Security, and retirement accounts. I live in a community for those over 55 in Franklin, paying around $7,000 annually in property taxes, alongside regular rising association fees for services like snow and trash removal, as well as hydrant maintenance. If road repairs or water infrastructure are needed, I bear those costs too.
Currently, large corporations are attracted to Franklin for building warehouses, commercial spaces, and high-density apartments. Such developments heavily tax existing utilities like water, sewer, and electricity. Why are these companies drawn to Franklin? Without a split tax rate, it’s economically advantageous for them to establish their operations here. Yet, why do we have to shoulder increased tax rates equally with these new developments that initially create greater demand for public services? Without a split property tax, developers won’t contribute fairly. The ongoing decline in Franklin’s quality of life is a significant concern. While past decisions are irreversible, we can still manage future developments more carefully.
The upcoming town election is set for November 4th, with candidates vying for positions on the Town Council, Planning Committee, Assessment Committee, and Health Committee. Picture a straightforward one-page questionnaire distributed to each candidate posing a single query.
Are you in favor of introducing a split tax rate in Franklin? Please circle one.
Yes No
Responses (yes, no, or no reply) could be published in the Franklin Observers and local Town Pages prior to the November 4th election.
Why do young families, middle-aged residents, and seniors continue to feel unsettled?
Thank you.
Peter Borowick
Franklin Residents
