Well, we got what we asked for. We told the local and state governments we wanted higher taxes and they obliged us. We couldn’t let the local 1% sales tax sunset because of all the “urgent” projects we just have to have now.
We were told “it’s just a few cents here and there.” Well, when one government entity sees another get more money, rest assured they will join the chorus for more. So our “few cents” has now become unconscionable property tax increases and a new 3/8 sales tax from the state. Don’t worry though, it is supposed to sunset in 2034 (Anyone taking bets how that will come out in 2035?).
Look at our local government: A school district that always needs more money to educate fewer students, EDA needs more money, the golf course as well, and now I read that the county revolving loan fund (Why is the county even in the loan business?) is probably going to lose about 27,000 of our dollars to a private business second mortgage gone bad.
I have no objection to private citizens making use of a program available to them. My angst is towards the local government doing it in the first place. If local banks or the SBA won’t make a loan, what makes the county think it can without consequence? If more local businesses fall on hard times, will we see another tax increase to cover loan losses incurred by the county?
The state budget is reportedly $6 billion short. Politicians will promise not to raise taxes on the poor hard-working middle class, and they will probably find a way to make it look like they haven’t. But don’t be surprised when state fees mysteriously increase.
And the federal government? Can you even count the zeros in its debt? Anybody wanna bet how that’s gonna work out (hint: think more fees and taxes).
As long as we taxpayers keep voting for more goodies that we want the government to provide and we vote more taxes on ourselves, government at all levels will oblige us. Thenext time we hear the siren song of “it’s just a few cents and look at all the good we can do with it” just say no.
George Gradek
Maple Hill
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