Reader letter: Seniors on fixed income can’t handle municipal tax hikes


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Windsor is a great place to live, but municipal taxes are causing a serious challenge.

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Consider that the population is aging and the number of people on fixed incomes due to retirement (and other factors) is increasing, as well. Increased taxes and prices for needed food and living expenses are becoming more than just challenging.

It does not help how the mill rate on condos is higher than on houses – and that’s where most retirees live.

I don’t know the answers, but believe there are probably quite a few ways budgets can be adjusted to protect people.

In some jurisdictions, such as Florida, there is a concept called homesteading that gives protection against tax increases and provides other tax breaks. Maybe something like that could be considered. I know tax breaks for one group can cause tax increases for others, so perhaps it is better to reduce overall costs.

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The administration personnel have to keep in mind revenue increases for people on fixed income are rare and minimal. Meanwhile, they get pay increases and bonuses that help them overcome increased costs.

It is far past time seniors can be expected to handle these expenses. Even though council may believe they are reasonable, an angry electorate won’t care. They will vote for anyone they think can save them money.

Salaries make up a significant amount of the city’s budget, so maybe some staff cuts or adjustments are possible?

Richard Rosenthal, Windsor

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