BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington’s mayor is proposing a tax hike that he says is needed to cover increasing public safety needs.
The proposed 3 cent increase in the municipal tax rate would add about $150 to the tax bill of a 500-thousand dollar home. It’s the first general fund tax increase Mayor Miro Weinberger has sought in five years. He is also proposing a 2% hike in the gross receipts tax.
Weinberger, who is not running for re-election, says the revenue increase will cover investments in higher pay and recruiting of police officers and other public safety initiatives.
The city council will hear the budget presentation next week and whether to put it on the march ballot. Voters will also be asked to support a 14% school tax increase that would add a thousand dollars to the tax bill of a 500-thousand dollar home.