The upcoming Proposition 2 1/2 override is the second one asked for by the Oak Bluffs selectmen in the past two years. It is also being requested in light of Oak Bluffs having the second highest tax rate (second only to Edgartown). While Oak Bluffs has the highest number of tourist events during the summer, direct proceeds to the town from the events only provide 20 per cent of its overall budget.

So, what differentiates Oak Bluffs from the other five towns? It has the most expensive fire station, beach protection (North Bluff, sea wall) and will soon have the most expensive town hall. Also, it seems that it does not utilize many of its opportunities to obtain more funds from tourism, i.e., an extra one per cent on admissions to attractions, tourist product sales and marina and steamship docking fees which should not reduce the number of tourists coming to the Vineyard during the summer. In addition, ticketing for violations of town laws are rarely issued, i.e., unleashed dogs, illegal parking, etc.

Finally, Oak Bluffs taxpayers should consider the meaning of Proposition 2 1/2, considered to be a recommendation for yearly tax increases. The law states that towns can increase taxes by 2 1/2 per cent without a separate town vote. It does not recommend that towns should increase taxes by that amount.

It could make equally good sense to not increase taxes at all in any given year.

As a taxpayer in Oak Bluffs, I hope that my fellow taxpayers will consider this letter before voting on the town’s budget this year.

Abraham Seiman
Oak Bluffs