Dear Editor,
I am writing in support of Waitsfield’s adoption of a local option tax (LOT) to help fund investments in essential services and critical infrastructure such as roadways, public safety, municipal wastewater, and affordable housing.
A 1% LOT gives communities the ability to fund improvement while reducing the burden on Waitsfield's property taxes. Towns across Vermont, such as Killington, Woodstock, Hartford, Stowe, Brattleboro, and Williston have successfully used this tool to generate meaningful revenue for local priorities. In the Mad River Valley, where tourism drives our economy, much of the revenue will come from visitors and can meaningfully strengthen our community while ensuring travelers help support the services they rely on.
The LOT keeps decision-making at the local level and strengthens long-term financial stability. Supporting the local option tax will help reduce reliance on property taxes to invest in our towns, while supporting vital and self-reliant communities. I encourage readers to recognize the value it can bring to our valley, and I hope that Waitsfield residents will vote in favor on Town Meeting Day.
Sincerely,
Sean Lawson
Moretown, VT
