I attended the Select Board hearing on the residential tax exemption [on November 18] and found it sadly revealing of a recent trend in our town.
The actual purpose of the RTE seemed to be somewhat missing from the dialogue. As I understand it, we are trying to provide a tax incentive that will keep families in average-value properties in Concord. It may slow the exodus of taxpayers that can occur when their children complete their education in our schools and embrace the range of people and backgrounds that make our town wonderful. The benefit is to be shared by all.
My rough math works this way: During their school years, my two children required per-pupil expenditures that, for each one, was twice what I paid in annual real estate taxes. As a consequence, everyone’s tax obligation is reduced if I choose to remain in my “empty nest.”
I agree, taxation categories — local and state and federal — are not perfectly calibrated to each one of us. But they do support our best efforts to produce the best common good possible. Let’s give this experiment the three years it requires and learn if and how we all may benefit.
There were claims that the RTE is divisive, which is a legitimate opinion. There were claims that Select Board members were acting out of self-interest, which was not supported by fact. I found the second claim to be more divisive than RTE might be.
Let’s assume good intentions and analyze the outcomes of our actions.
Court Booth
Wright Road
