Wenham faces 11 percent tax hike

Wenham's property tax bills could increase by nearly 11 percent in fiscal 2008. That's partly because bills are coming due on previous debt exclusion votes - including funding for a $6.8 million Town Hall/Police Station project and a $1.8 million September 2006 emergency culvert replacement - and partly because of new Proposition 2½ overrides, capital exclusions, and debt exclusions to be put before voters at Town Meeting on Saturday.

"I'm very disappointed to have to tell the taxpayers that this is the consequence of the [budget] proposal, and much of the increase is the consequence of actions taken at prior meetings," said Jack Wilhelm, chairman of the town's Finance and Advisory Committee.

At the Saturday Town Meeting and election, residents also will vote on proposals for a $154,817 Proposition 2½ override to support the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District, and a $113,000 capital exclusion to purchase a highway department truck and for an electrical retrofit for an emergency shelter.

There may also be another project in front of voters, a debt exclusion for a $540,000 road-and-culvert repair on Essex Street. But even if that article is withdrawn at Town Meeting, the potential tax increase for Wenham voters is 10.97 percent.

Over five years, Wilhelm said, voters will have supported tax increases of 35 percent.

The average property tax bill, which is $6,380, could rise by about $700 if voters approve this year's increases.

-- David Rattigan

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