Frankfort’s mayor and village trustees brought their ideas to the table on Tuesday evening in a discussion about village priorities for the upcoming fiscal year during the annual meeting of the Committee of the Whole.
Mayor Jim Holland suggested that the village consider a one percent sales tax increase with a residential rebate based on property tax paid.
The increase, which would require a referendum, would alleviate the tax burden off of residents and transfer it onto people who shop in the village.
“It will be controversial, simply because of the fact that it’s, one way or another, adding tax,” said Trustee Kevin Egan.
Holland felt that it wouldn’t be practical for the village to take action on the increase for at least a year.
If the board moves forward with the increase, the village would spend the next several months informing residents about the proposal, before putting the issue to a vote of the people in the March 2014 primary election.
The committee also discussed the possibility of improving the village hall. Multiple trustees mentioned that the board currently meets in the basement of the police department building and that the village could benefit from the addition of a boardroom.
“We need to get out of this bomb shelter,” said Trustee Dick Trevarthan.
The committee determined that a discussion of village hall improvements should be added to a committee meeting agenda in the near future.
Trustees Trevarthan and Todd Morgan both addressed the need for landscaping improvements in Frankfort.
Trevarthan cited a need to upgrade maintenance on Old Plank Road Trail and to implement a landscaping plan for Route 30.
Morgan said he would like to see the village tear out the landscaping in downtown Frankfort.
He also suggested that the committee prioritize the acquisition of additional property downtown and look into organizing more events in the area that could create a strong community identity.
“We really need to take a fresh approach,” Morgan said. “I think we can do more.”
The committee discussed the possibility of changing residential building codes to improve the appearance of Frankfort’s homes and streetscapes as well.
Trustee Cindy Heath said she would like to see the community develop an elegant, unique appearance, with gazebos and walking paths.
“We’re not trying to make homes more expensive,” said Holland. “We’re just trying to make them more appealing.”
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