Tax cuts to the city would have positive impact
The opinions on whether or not the Butler Area Sewer Authority should have been sold were polar opposites. One group strongly believed the sale was the right decision; the other strongly believed it was not.
Those who wanted the sale prevailed last October, leading to a sizable payment to Butler City and Butler Township.
Residents have waited since then to see the impact of those dollars. Who would benefit from the sale? What projects would be funded? How would the money be invested?
And yes, some action had already been taken, but at the city, many decisions related to those dollars came out of a Tuesday, Sept. 23, budget meeting.
One of the ideas to come out of that lengthy afternoon conversation: a tax cut.
The proceeds from the BASA sale give the city leeway to “pare down” its debt service, Mayor Bob Dandoy said at that meeting.
The city could potentially lower its municipal tax rate from 44 mills to 33 — a 25% reduction.
Currently, the tax rate of 44 mills is the highest of all Butler County municipalities.
Such a change would positively impact all property owners, both businesses and residents, giving them the flexibility to invest in their own properties or spend how they choose.
It also would make the city a more desirable place for new homebuyers or those interested in starting a business.
We hope this conversation continues.
— TL
