Opaque methods used by City Hall to determine tax rates for citizens
In a recent meeting on July 15, 2025, the Burlington City Council approved the preliminary 2026 Financial Forecast report (FIN-24-25), marking the beginning of the city's budget process for the upcoming year. The report provides a preliminary look at the economic pressures and service needs shaping the 2026 city budget.
The focus of the 2026 budget process is on limiting tax impacts for residents, aiming to keep the financial burden as minimal as possible. However, it's important to note that the impact of the budget is not a unit of measure; each person is impacted differently depending on their circumstances.
The City Budget funds essential services such as safe streets, reliable transit, resilient infrastructure, welcoming parks, flood protection, and swift emergency response. The primary taxes levied in Burlington's 2026 budget to finance these services are property taxes, which are the main source of local government revenue for Vermont cities like Burlington. These taxes fund various municipal services such as public safety, infrastructure, education, and community programs.
Amidst the budget process, there has been some controversy regarding the accuracy of the budget figures. An allegation has emerged suggesting that the Burlington Finance people may be fudging the numbers in the budget process. However, it's crucial to note that this allegation has not been confirmed or denied.
Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan has been discussing the upcoming City Budget, emphasising the need for better financial transparency from the city. He believes that the public deserves to fully understand the financial decisions being made on their behalf.
It's worth mentioning that the significant percentage mentioned in the 2026 Budget Change column is 5.80%. However, the less than 3% mentioned in the cut line is considered an unrealistic hope. The 4.49% at the bottom of the same column, on the other hand, is considered mathematical rubbish.
As the budget process continues, the city council and its finance department will work towards creating a budget that meets the needs of the city while minimising the tax impact on residents. The public is encouraged to stay informed and engaged in this process.
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