I am writing this letter as a concerned resident of the city of Dover, to express my strong opposition to the proposed city tax increase. After carefully reviewing the proposed budget and its impact on the taxpayers, I believe this measure is not necessary nor fair to our community. Our most vulnerable citizens cannot keep on taking these types of financial hits. This will be the third year in a row that some form of increase has been passed by the mayor and council to balance the following year’s budget.
I have lived in the city of Dover for 20-plus years. Over this time frame, I have personally witnessed a close family friend’s property tax and my taxes slowly increase. This has directly affected the ability of most citizens to afford necessities, including housing, utilities, clothing and groceries. For example, my best friend’s mortgage payment increased by $200 each month due to last year’s tax hike, forcing him to cut back on his discretionary spending for his household. He had to make the hard decision not to purchase certain medications because his tax bill rose, and now, he will have to decide what he and his family can once again afford to purchase.
The budget, as presented, prioritizes certain expenditures — such as funding the Downtown Dover Partnership and businesses in the downtown area only — over essential services like better road maintenance, more police protection, clean water, better sanitation and affordable housing. While the funded amenities may benefit some, they are not critical to the well-being of most of the residents.
I urge council to reconsider the tax increase and to ensure that any new revenue is used to address pressing needs, rather than nonessential projects. Taxpayers should not be asked to cover costs without a clear, transparent plan showing how the funds will improve the community’s quality of life in the city of Dover.
Thank you for your time and service to our city. I respectfully request that you take another look at the budget and the proposed tax increase before it is finalized.
This is submitted by a very concerned citizen.
William G. Faust Jr.
Dover
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