Peru wind plan unfair to taxpayers
Berkshire Eagle | 02/13/2014 | www.berkshireeagle.com
I’m very concerned with the situation in Peru regarding the investment being proposed by Lightship Energy and its wind farm application. This is a proposed $45 million project and Lightship is offering a payment in lieu of taxes to the town rather than pay taxes on their investment. The mill rate is approximately $17 on each $1,000 of property value. The straightforward math is that if I built a new $45 million home, I’d be paying $765,000 in property taxes. Lightship is offering the town between $100,000 and $150,000 depending on how much electricity is generated by the turbines so there are no guarantees for the payment.
I’m a taxpayer and have owned my home in Peru for six years. During that time I’ve done significant renovations and my annual property taxes have doubled to $6,000 per year. Does anyone think I can offer the Peru tax collector a payment in lieu of taxes?
As a taxpayer in good standing, Lightship’s proposal to not pay its fair share of taxes is upsetting. I hope this is another reason why the application should be denied. I find this upsetting and if others feel the same way, please express your opinion to the editor and to the Peru town officials using: townclerk@townofperuma.com. You can learn more at Garnethillwind.com.
BARBARA KENNEY
Peru
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/13/peru-wind-plan-unfair-to-taxpayers/