On February 28, Tiverton's Town Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to set a tax-cap of 2.5%. With this ordinance, the Town Council would in fact be taking for themselves two very important rights reserved solely for the people of Tiverton.
Tiverton's Charter is absolutely clear that the people of Tiverton, through the Financial Town Meeting, have the exclusive authority to decide the budget and tax-levy, within the limits set by the state. Elected bodies make recommendations, but have no right to interfere with the people's decisions. Voters have overwhelmingly rejected Charter proposals that would transfer some or all of this taxing & budgeting authority to the Town Council. This ordinance is a blatant violation of the Charter. In fact, it undeniably changes the Charter, which by state law can only be done by the voters of Tiverton.
If the Council believes a 2.5% tax-cap is best for the town, the proper course is to propose a Charter amendment and let the voters hear the arguments and make the decision. Councilor Nelson, who proposed this ordinance, claims it's needed to "protect" taxpayers, apparently from themselves. If he believes this is what people want, he should follow the Charter and let voters decide. There is a discussion to be had about taxes and budgets, but the only question here is who you think should decide: the Council or the voters?
Like many, I live paycheck to paycheck. No one is more concerned about rising costs and taxes than I am. But I also recognize the need to balance lowering costs with preserving our community, our property values, and our rights. We have two choices: we can either continue to have annual battles in which no one wins, or seek common ground and compromise to actually solve problems. Even if you think this tax-cap is a good idea, remember that if this Council can impose its will on the people at the FTM, a future Council could just as easily rescind the cap and require at least a 2.5% annual budget increase.
To protect your rights, please contact your Town Councilors, inform your neighbors, and get out to express your views at the public hearing. If the people ever choose to give the Council budget and taxing authority, that's their right. But as people around the world are fighting their governments for their rights, it's wrong in every way for our elected officials to take our rights away. It will be even worse if the people of Tiverton allow it to happen.
Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI
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