Hoffay has been a strong proponent of evening out the dual tax rates to more accurately reflect each sectors share of the city’s total assessed value. In 2011 he backed a successful effort to shift about 5 percent of the tax levy burden from commercial to residential properties. Hoffay says he is hopeful the council will approve an additional shift in 2013 in part because, in conjunction with a zero-growth budget, the change would have only a small impact on residential property owners.
“I would say the council is leaning towards changing the base proportions to reduce the burden on non-homestead properties,” said Hoffay. “I’m not getting people saying absolutely no.”
But Gallo, who holds veto power over the budget, said he would not support any additional shift in the tax burden from the commercial to the residential sector in 2013. Gallo, however, added that the city’s economic development office was in the process of applying for a grant to conduct a thorough study of the dual tax rate system’s impact on the city’s economy and commercial sector. In the meantime, Gallo said, he would stick with the current formula.
“To go anywhere beyond that would not be prudent,” said Gallo. “Not until the economy turns around.”
DPW will still function dysfunctionally. Is anyone in charge of this department? Has anyone EVER been in charge of this department? WHY did it take nearly TWO YEARS to fill large gaping holes in Albany Avenue–not exactly a sidestreet? Where was Mr. Schupp, the former Mayor’s “PUP”–on that one?? And where was anyone else on that one? Reading union rules? And where IS the public, when the former Sottilian Council and the Great Oz himself and his big fat self stood up there and trounced the City Charter’s residency requirement for city employees, number 110-1-3 inclusive in pushing through Michael Schupp?! Where is the fervor in insisting city hall lives by its own LAW?! WTF!!