1982-03-01- to 1982-06-16-ATM-min

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1 { b ..1, 2 (Adjourned Sess of the 1982 Annual Town Meeting - April 26, 1982.) Article 2. 1. Not only are we not currently taxing at 2;�% of our full (Cant.) valuation but we are unable to do so because Proposition 2 restricts the annual rate of increase in the tax levy to 2- of the previous year's levy. In Lexington that means although our full valuation is $1,241,952,000 and 2z% of that is $31,048,800, our '82 tax levy was $25,840,699, so that our '83 levy limit can only be that plus A% which is $26,486,716, which is only 2.1% of full valuation. Therefore, Proposition 2 imposes two limits - no community can under any circumstances levy taxes at more than 2g% of full valua- tion, however, under that maximum the total tax levy can only grow at a fixed rate of 2 per year, regardless of the rate of increase in the value of property in the town (although new construction is handled outside the levy limit). To quote the Town Meeting Warrant Info "The effect of the present provision in a period in which Town costs are inflating at a rate much greater than 21 %, is to force a net decrease in the real value of appropriations in each succeeding year ". Think how can the town absorb a 33% health insurance increase under the 2 -°% levy limit. 2. Secondly, we must depend upon the state for survival through local aid - whose source, size and manner of distribution are subject to political expediency and cannot be correctly anticipated and depended upon from year to year. The time when Lexington can survive by using its tax stabiliza- tion fund (free cash), deferring maintenance, trimming staff is nearly over. Please join with us in urging tax reform. 9:19 P.M. Article 45. (See Page 111.) (Cant.) Nyles Nathan Barnert asked why the Selectmen were asking for indefinite postponement of this article. Mrs. Batti_n answered that this was to get the facts before the meeting. 9:20 P.M. Answering a question raised by Frank Sandy, Mrs. Battin said that new construction is outside the levy limit. 9:23 P.M. Robert Cataldo stated that the Appropriation Committee supported the stand of the Selectmen and favored indefinite postponement. 9:26 P.M. After general discussion, Jonathan P. Doran moved the previous question which was declared carried by voice vote. 9:35 P.M. Motion to indefinitely postpone Article 45 was declared adopted by voice vote which was doubted by more than twenty members, so a standing vote was taken as follows: Precinct In F avor Tellers Opposed 1 it Sheila Busa- Tassone 8 2 10 Lynda A. Wik 9 3 5 Suanne C. Dillman 14 4 10 Peter C. J. Kelley 3 5 6 James L. Silva 14 6 6 Edith Sandy 13 7 15 Winifred L. L. Friedman 3 8 10 Suzanne S. Frank 5 9 6 John C. Eddison 12 At Large 13 Stanley E. Toye 4 Totals 92 85 Motion to indefinitely postpone Article 45 declared adopted. 9:37 P.M. Frank Sandy served notice of reconsideration of Article 45. 9:37 P.M.