Thursday, November 13, 2008

Forks 2009 Projection = 10% tax increase + cinched belt

According to an article by Christopher Baxter in the November 13, 2008 Morning Call, Forks officials working on the 2009 budget are in the uncomfortable position of cutting expenses AND raising taxes.  The worldwide economic mess is hitting home... homes in Forks.  Property owners may be facing a 10% real estate tax increase in 2009.

In the past, Forks' rapidly rising population and simultaneously rising expenses were subsidized by the very developers who built-out the Township.  That building/revenue source has come to a screeching halt. 

Everyone knew it would happen sooner or later.  Most expected that it would end slowly and that lost developer monies would be replaced by monies from new economic development in our industrial parks. 

The world stepped in, however, and Forks Township, just like its residents, is being forced to examine every budget line item. 

A glance at the official Township calendar shows that the Finance & Administration standing committee will meet at least one more time before the budget is adopted by the BoS at its December 18th meeting.  The Finance & Administration meetings are working sessions that are open to the public. 

Hang on to your hats!

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