Tax change proposals sparking debate

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick wants to make sweeping changes to taxes in the commonwealth but it's not going over well with all communities.

Whenever there are changes in taxes involved it sparks heated debate and that's the case with cities and towns here in Massachusetts.

The Northampton City Council voted Thursday night to approve a proposed progressive tax reform. This supports an increase in taxes on those who can afford to pay and protects those who can't.

According to William Dwight of Northampton City Council, “Asking the people who have more money to pay a larger portion of their share of municipal state government, so we can all enjoy the services.”

Northampton like many cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth are facing a deficit, but how exactly to raise those funds is greatly varied.

This comes off the heels of Governor Deval Patrick's plan to raise the state income tax 1 percent and cut the sales tax to 4.5%. Just two days before the Agawam City Council voted in favor of a resolution opposing the Governor's plan

Which is not supported by all. “I don't think it's the right way, no, I think the sales tax the way it is fine,” said one western Mass. resident.

Still, Pamela Schwartz, the Northampton City Councilor who helped draw up the proposal says they need revenue to keep vital systems alive. “We can't keep the standard of living that we're all expecting and deserve to have in our communities without more revenue, it's just that basic.”

The new fiscal year 2014 budget starts July 1st.