Information: City of Cambridge Proposed Property Tax Increase
How much of an increase is it?
A real property tax rate of $.9179 per $100 of assessment was proposed at the April 22 City Commission Meeting. This tax rate is 13.8% higher than the constant yield tax rate and will generate $832,648 in additional property tax revenues.
What is the reason for an increase?
The proposed increase is for the following increases in spending:
1. Police Officer Increase in Compensation: $421,378
Patrol officers are leaving our agency to higher paying agencies. The proposed increase for police officer wages and associated payroll costs is an increase of $421,378.
2. Worker’s Compensation Insurance Premium Cost Increase: $254,479
The city-wide worker’s compensation premium cost covering all city and MUC workers will increase by $254,479.
3. Funds set aside for the replacement of a city fire truck: $250,000
The city has six (6) fire trucks. Two trucks are 25 years old. The cost to replace a fire truck is between $500,000 and $1.5 million depending on the type of truck. The city currently has no contingency funds for purchasing fire truck replacements.
4. New Sailwinds Wharf Annual Debt Payments: $105,976
The city renovated the Sailwinds Wharf in fiscal year 2018. The city financed $1.7 million of the cost and will make annual debt payments through April of 2048.
5. City Employee Raises: $93,196
The proposed wage increases, and associated payroll costs for city workers other than police officers or water department workers is an increase of $93,196.
6. Marina Fund Increase in Support: $45,946
The city general fund is projected to cover an additional $45,946 of shortfall in the marina operations.
7. Where can I go to obtain more information?
The proposed city budget is posted on the City of Cambridge website and Facebook page. You may view a copy at city hall 410 Academy Street, Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The city has a detailed, line item budget workbook citizens may also view at city hall.
8. Who can I talk to about this proposed increase?
Citizens may contact City Manager Patrick Comiskey at 410-228-4020 to discuss the proposed increase or you may e-mail pcomiskey@choosecambridge.com
9. When is the meeting where I can voice my opinion?
The Commissioners of Cambridge have a public hearing on the proposed tax increase scheduled for Thursday, May 9th at 5:00 p.m. in their meeting room at 305 Gay Street.
