Nederland City Council voted to raise taxes and water rates on August 14, 2006.
- the City of Nederland lost $30 million in assessed property values this year due to storm damage
- “Between the appraisal district and the Jefferson County Tax Office our effective tax rate has increased,”
- The city manager said the effective rate for 2006-2007 was set by the county at $.698 for every $100 in property value. He noted, however, that he thought Nederland could make a budget with less funds.
Statements by Mayor Dick Nugent on tax increase:
- “We took a heck of a hit from Hurricane Rita”
- “The repercussions of that are now surfacing and we have taken a $30 million loss.”
The Spin? Hurricane Rita.
My Thoughts:
First of all, I'm against raising taxes but I understand that the City has to meet budget so therefore, before I vote for any tax increase there are several things I will consider first.
1) How will the citizens be affected?
Will the citizens see changes in their services?
When budget time comes around next year, will the City be in the same boat as we are in 2006?
If another hurricane hits will the citizens get hit again with a tax increase?
Some what if's I would ask:
If the highway 69 project was complete, would a tax increase be needed.
Where is FEMA? When will checks be made available to the city for storm related damage? To my knowledge, the city is footing the bill for all construction work on city buildings.
My position is simple..the City must do what they have to do to meet budget and not get into the red. I feel like they did what was necessary.
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