Dickson and Feichter’s opposition echoed their votes cast during a special budget meeting on June 16, which was called after citizens complained about the rate during a June 8 regular meeting. At that meeting, town administrators had proposed an initial rate of 45.45 cents per $100 in assessed value, down from the previous 49.57 cent rate, but a countywide property revaluation earlier this year that saw values skyrocket for many property owners means the rate cut is still a tax increase for some. 

During the June 16 special meeting, Dickson and Feichter voted against a new proposal, 43.92 cents. That new proposal passed 3-to-2, was introduced to the public on June 22 and passed by the same margin. The upcoming budget includes $900,000 in employee raises to bring pay rates closer to market average, and also eliminates the town’s $15 vehicle fee.