City Councilor Tracye Whitfield will not support any budget that increases property tax for the residents of City of Springfield. Even with the $3.5 million allocated to reduce property taxes, the proposed budget still increases property taxes over $16 million dollars, next year, to cover rising expenditures costs.
The city recently awarded $6.5 million of our taxpayers dollars to rich developers to finance the 31 Elm Street project. This project was primarily financed by local and state funding sources including $4 million dollars already allocated to the project by the City of Springfield. A project that City Councilors Justin Hurst and Tracye Whitfield, the only two no votes, voted not to give the additional funding. “That 6.5 million dollars, along with additional revenue resources the City has available, could have gone toward covering the rising expenditure costs instead of using property taxes to cover this deficit.” Councilor Whitfield States
Our seniors, low income families and those dealing with losses due to Covid-19 are already facing so many barriers. They are dealing with rising gas prices, food and housing insecurity and cost of living increases overall. Our taxpayers do not need another rise in property tax, a cost that continues to increase year over year. It is a financial hardship for individuals and families already struggling.
“This increase is inconsiderate and unfair to our constituents. I urge Mayor Sarno to do what’s right for the people of Springfield. Let’s work together to come up with solutions that put our residents first. It’s really beyond time to do so! I also ask my colleagues on the City Council to stand in solidarity with the residents and support them by not approving a budget that increases property for the residents and local businesses.” says Councilor Whitfield
