Carlisle's finances are currently in good shape, we should strive to keep it that way. Carlisle was recently awarded a bond rating of AA1 bond rating by ______. We also find ourselves in turbulent times with a federal government that regularly shuts down any time it is controlled by a republican legislature. We also now see this playing out in Harrisburg with the state republicans in the senate failing to pass a budget for 2025. Because, municipalities rely so heavily on state and federal funds we must strive to become financially independent of our state and federal government, Carlisle borough already does this with its conservative budgeting practices. We also find ourselves heading into a future that will require us to not just maintain our current infrastructure, but to build climate resilience while addressing past and present inequities. While we can make smart decisions on how to spend money, maintenance and resiliance aren't free, and the costs of ignoring them are likely to be be far greater.
Improving the boroughs revenue is a must going into the future. Revenue can be increased by zoning for density which improves land value per acre, and reduces the costly distance that infrastructure and services need to traverse. Further revenue generation can occur by expanding permit parking into areas where parking congestion is a problem, better managing our on and off street parking, and by using our home rule to replicate revenue sources used in other home rule municipalities. Finally We should not shy away from incremental increases in property tax, property tax is one of the few forms of wealth tax we have in this country, property tax ensures that any fees are not overly burdensome on those who cannot afford to own property.
Carlisle has a balanced budget ordinance requiring the borough to deliver an annual balanced budget and to draw from reserves before taking on debt.
Improving the boroughs revenue is a must going into the future. Revenue can be increased by zoning for density which improves land value per acre, and reduces the costly distance that infrastructure and services need to traverse. Further revenue generation can occur by expanding permit parking into areas where parking congestion is a problem, better managing our on and off street parking, and by using our home rule to replicate revenue sources used in other home rule municipalities. Finally We should not shy away from incremental increases in property tax, property tax is one of the few forms of wealth tax we have in this country, property tax ensures that any fees are not overly burdensome on those who cannot afford to own property.
Carlisle has a balanced budget ordinance requiring the borough to deliver an annual balanced budget and to draw from reserves before taking on debt.
Uphold Carlisle's balanced budget ordinance
Vote to continue maintaining Carlisle's cash reserves to address crisis and assist with larger projects that improve life for borough residents.
Develop sources of revenue that do not rely on property tax
Allow for residents to petition borough council to expand permit parking
Advocate for land value taxes when increases in taxation are necessary
Advocate for land banking as a means to stabilize the real estate market.
Vote to continue maintaining Carlisle's cash reserves to address crisis and assist with larger projects that improve life for borough residents.
Develop sources of revenue that do not rely on property tax
Allow for residents to petition borough council to expand permit parking
Advocate for land value taxes when increases in taxation are necessary
Advocate for land banking as a means to stabilize the real estate market.