Tiverton
Based on conversation here and here, it appears that I was wrong to state that “a new methodology will skew taxes toward waterfront properties.” Several people who are typically more specifically knowledgeable about town financial matters made statements that I apparently took too literally. That said, Tiverton Tax Assessor David Robert has strangely refused to…
Quirky Internet service has delayed my initial post, but I’ve been sitting in the Tiverton High School gymnasium for about a half-hour already. At about ten-of-nine (start time), I’m a little surprised that the turnout isn’t better. We’re probably somewhere in the 300-400 people range — sufficient for a quorum, but disappointing, given the turn-out-the-vote…
I had a very helpful conversation with a gentleman from the property revaluation vendor for Tiverton last night, and I learned quite a bit about the process. By the way, he was very patient and cordial, and I was very impressed with him, even if we may arrive a different conclusions. I agree with Justin…
Well, it’s some sort of milestone, I suppose, to be denounced by name in a mailing to the email list of Tiverton Youth Soccer (with which my children are not currently involved): Hi all, It is that time of the year again…. time for me to urge each of you to attend Tiverton’s Financial Town…
Because it works differently than most other taxes with which we’re familiar, it surprised me when first I learned how property taxes are calculated, at least in Tiverton. In short, the rate is almost an irrelevant statistic. Confusion over that fact has led local Budget Committee and TCC member Tom Parker to pen the following…
Contrary to aspersions in the comment section of my previous post on this topic, my source was not incorrect that Town Council member Jay Lambert voted against Mike Burk as financial town meeting moderator. According to a Sakonnet Times article (not online), following a profiles-in-courage strategy, he changed his vote, apparently in a way, by…
Herewith, the text of my speech at the Tiverton Citizens for Change Taxpayer Forum on Monday night. (Audio, with some extemporaneous differences: stream, download [5min 29sec]) Let’s be honest. For most of us, this whole civic participation thing is a chore. It’s a responsibility. We stay informed; we vote; and really that should be enough.…
The following speeches were given at the Tiverton Citizens for Change taxpayer forum on Monday, April 27. TCC President David Nelson: stream, download (4min 30sec) TCC and Tiverton Budget Committee member Thomas Parker: stream, download (13min 39sec) Rhode Island Statewide Coalition Executive Director Harry Staley: stream, download (19min 39sec) TCC member and Tiverton Budget Committee…
At the tail end of our Tiverton Citizens for Change meeting, I received word that Mike Burk won the position as financial town meeting moderator on a unanimous council vote a council vote of five to one, with Jay Lambert voting against and, with Council President Don Bollin suspiciously absent. Well, I warned of the…
I’ve arrived early at tonight’s Tiverton Citizens for Change FTM-prep meeting, at which I’ll be speaking. (FTM stands for financial town meeting). Even people who aren’t speaking began walking through the VFW door about a half-hour early. Hopefully turn-out will be good, although it would likely be too optimistic to expect an equivalent turnout to…