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Vermont Property Taxes Projected to Rise Again, Lawmakers Promise Actions
Vermonters are bracing for another property tax increase next year, with projections estimating a 5.9% rise necessary to accommodate escalating school budgets. This comes after a significant 14% average hike in property tax bills experienced this year. Both Republican Governor Phil Scott and Democratic lawmakers have expressed commitment to mitigating this financial burden during the upcoming legislative session.
House Speaker Jill Krowinski emphasized the need for action, stating that "Continued growth in our property taxes is unaffordable for Vermonters." She highlighted the House of Representatives’ dedication to devising both short- and long-term strategies to lessen costs while ensuring quality education for children.
Governor Scott, advocating for more stringent cost-containment measures since his election in 2016, and Democratic leaders are prioritizing property tax reform, especially following a recent loss of seats in the legislature by the Democrats. Brattleboro Representative Emilie Kornheiser noted that a special commission has been investigating potential cost-saving reforms in the education system. She pointed out the necessity of state-level reforms instead of leaving individual districts to navigate budget issues alone.
Concerns have been raised about the rising financial pressure on families, with incoming Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck warning that a 5.9% increase would culminate in a 33% rise in property tax burdens over three years. Conversely, Don Tinney, president of the Vermont teachers’ union, described the situation as a school funding issue rather than a spending one, advocating for an income-based education financing system to alleviate costs for middle-income families.
While significant reforms may take time, lawmakers are exploring immediate options to minimize next year’s increases, with discussions around utilizing one-time funds to "buy down" property taxes currently underway.
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Photo credit www.vermontpublic.org
