I urge Shelburne voters to vote “yes” in November to adopt the Community Preservation Act. The Act would tax Shelburne households an average of about $93 a year. It will most likely be matched 100% by the state, bringing in about $180,000 annually to the town. Low-income people would not have to pay it.
Why do we need this tax? Because the money will go to projects in town. It could be improving a ballfield. Creating access to the river. Building a pool. Fixing up Town Hall or the Arms Academy, the Memorial Hall Theater, or the Arms Library. Creating rent subsidies for the poor. Each project would have to be approved at Town Meeting by the townspeople.
Right now, there isn’t a specific committee or money in our town for launching projects. So our town stays pretty much the same, and our historic buildings deteriorate. Many of the towns around us have voted in the program, and I think we should. Here’s a point of reference: Out of an annual Shelburne property tax bill of about $4,400, my husband and I pay about $2,200 for the schools, or about half of our tax payment. We understand how crucial that is. At the same time, I am ready to pitch in $93 more to make our town the best it can be.
I hope other Shelburne voters agree. Thank you!
Jacqueline B. Walsh
Shelburne Falls