BRATTLEBORO — This is a letter to encourage Brattleboro voters to turn down the proposed 1-percent hike in the Vermont sales tax for Brattleboro.
Although everyone would love to see property-tax relief, basing it on Brattleboro's sales - which, according to state figures, have been diminishing steadily over the past few years - is not in the best interests of townspeople.
We're fortunate to have local investors who have been reconstructing the iconic Brooks House on Main Street. They are still looking for businesses to fill the ground floor.
Increasing the sales tax at this time would be a disincentive for those who want to start or relocate a retail business in Brattleboro. (Check out New York state's campaign offering tax-free zones to stimulate business! Or simply look across the river to find a sales-tax-free zone that invites business.)
Many studies note that a vital downtown is one of the keys to a healthy and strong community. The downtown association (Downtown Alliance, formerly known as Building a Better Brattleboro) is working hard to help stimulate local and visitor traffic to town.
We have had (and appreciate) good support from local shoppers. The “shop local” movement has had a positive effect. If that local support continues, an extra 1 percent would simply shift tax savings on the property tax to tax payment on the sales side. And it would send added tax dollars to the state from Brattleboro.
To improve our sales figures and the local economy, in addition to providing a good selection for local shoppers, we should focus on making Brattleboro a destination for regional visitors. This is especially true if we punish our local shoppers by simply substituting one tax for another.
As merchants for many years, we have heard visitors and townspeople alike comment on how nice it is to find a vital downtown that still offers a welcoming sense of place - not to mention a variety of locally owned shops and services.
This quality can be marketed in a way that will draw new customers and help businesses prosper. In turn, we would maintain jobs, create new jobs, and bolster the grand list by increasing the value of commercial buildings. This increased valuation would help offset residential property taxes in a good way.
For many years, Brattleboro merchants have been working at a competitive disadvantage. With a 6-percent sales tax already in effect in Vermont, we have worked to offset competition from New Hampshire, with 0 percent sales tax, and the rise of Internet sales. We have done so by providing great customer service and products.
An extra 1 percent in our sales tax could be the point that ensures a continued downward trend in Brattleboro sales. We don't want to see that happen!
When Vermont has an occasional sales tax holiday, it sparks some of the best sales of the year in Brattleboro.
Now, New Hampshire is promoting a 365-day-a-year tax holiday. And, New York State is promoting sales-tax-free zones to attract new business and businesses.
If they are promoting zero sales tax to promote business, why in the world is Brattleboro considering raising its sales tax? We should be considering creating a tax-free zone!
Please vote no to the sales tax question at this time. Thank you for your consideration.