Tax Rate Will Remain the Same

The Board was advised to raise the debt service tax rate by a penny to keep the budget balanced. We all know the economy has tanked and nearly everyone's house value has gone down considerably in the last 3 years. However, because the Brunswick neighborhoods continue to expand our tax base through the ongoing development we have not been affected as much as other taxing entities.

In addition, the final sections of Brunswick Meadows have already added infrastructure in the way of sewer and water lines as well as additional streets, lights, and sidewalks. Slowly, but steadily, homes are being built on the lots in these final sections.The District will soon be issuing bonds to cover this development. Knowing that we must issue bonds and not taking fiscal responsibility for them is wrong in my mind. That is why I voted to raise our debt service tax rate by the penny recommended by our financial advisor. It would have meant less than $35 per household and would have kept us in the black. AK also voted for the penny raise in taxes.

Directors Smalls, Watson, and Washington all voted against raising the District taxes. Personally I would much rather pay the extra in taxes, which I can then take as a deduction on my income taxes.