Holbrook residents head to the polls on Tuesday, May 16, to decide if they are willing to pay a city property tax for the first time in three years.
The total amount being sought is $100,000, which will be used primarily to fund the Holbrook Police Department, with some funds to go toward the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department.
To reach that amount, property owners would be asked to pay a tax equal to $55.99 per every $100,000 in property valuation.
“Next year the council may decide to reduce it,” said City Manager Randy Sullivan, admitting that it could also be increased, with the amount approved used as the base for determining levy limitations for future years.
According to Sullivan, if the property tax fails to pass, it would likely mean a freeze on one of the three positions currently vacant in the police department. The department is struggling to recruit officers due to lower wages than other departments in the surrounding area. In addition to being shorthanded, the HPD is facing the potential retirement of the police chief, lieutenant and two sergeants within the next two years.
If voters approve the tax, it will go into effect on July 1.
Ballots can be cast from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at the city council chambers, located at 465 First Ave.
