And, while we're talking taxes...
We learned tonight that Catoosa County's overall millage rate is 6-7 mils below the other comparably-sized counties in Georgia. After hearing reports from the School Superintendent and the Sheriff about their departments' apparently great efficiencies (they're both ranked very high in perfermance versus very low in cost-per-unit, be it student or crime calls), I'm inclined to say that we're very lucky that we have administrators in these departments who are clearly passionate enough about their fields to stretch every taxpayer dollar far beyond what other County departments can accomplish.Regardless of this, as I undersand it, the proposed 1 mil tax increase BARELY GETS THE COUNTY BUDGET BACK TO ZERO, if at all! What does this mean? Very likely, within one or two years, we'll be facing yet another round of quality-of-life-eroding budget cuts, or ... wait for it... another tax increase!
My suggestion gentlemen of the Commission: You're already going to take a political hit (although not necessarily a defeat) for the increase. If you can produce a COMPELLING VISION for how you're going to invest in a constructive future for Catoosa County.... then, go ahead and ask for 2-3 mils. Earmark at least 1 mil especially for economic development (and then take ED seriously).
The sooner we start investing in the services and civic amenities that are attractive to businesses, the sooner that more businesses (who pay lots more in taxes than they demand in services) will want to locate in Catoosa County. When this happens, the tax burden on the residential taxpayers will lessen.
Just my thoughts...
posted by Chris Casey @ 10:28 PM
3 Comments:
true that when compared to other counties, our tax bill is not so bad. . . the problem is that fact doesn't matter to most residents. I had the opportunity to pick up an Albany GA paper yesterday--they are currently drawing up a charter to consolidate city and county governments (on the recommendation of a recent study on the subject)--perhaps an idea that would serve our county well, helping solve both our financial woes as well as our lack of any concensus (or to use your word-champion) w/in our current leadership.
When are the "leaders" of this community going to stand up and be counted? We have one of the wealthiest individuals in the county trying to act like he is protecting the poor citizens of the county when all he is really trying to protect are his personal interests. Bill knows that we have to have a tax increase to run the basic services of the county but is grandstanding to position himself as a champion of the masses. He knows the only way to keep the county from going broke is a tax increase. He also knows it will pass even with his grandstanding and he will look good by being in opposition.
Bill you are a phoney.
Watching the parade to the podium the other night I was amazed but not surprised by the number of people who complained about the possible tax increase but also wanted better services from the county. I want something better but I don't want to pay for it.
I also heard quite frequently the comment about letting the new residents of the county pay more. Residents of the county are citizens of the county no matter how long they have lived here. Everyone pays their share and maybe the new residents are even paying more based on the prices of the new houses compared to the older houses.
The problem is that we need more businesses that can help offset the low taxes and multiple service needs of residential building. Until Emperor Bill gets that through his thick head we will continue to have tax problems. Grandstanding like he is currently doing will not attract business. Calling members of the Chamber of Commerce the wealthy and inferring that they don't care about anyone but themselves will not attract business.
Stand up for those who are trying to do the right thing. Where are the leaders?
A short-term tax improvement (I hesitate to call it anything resembling a solution) is something I suppose politicians feel they must do to satisfy the public they are representing that will never expect anything more than something for nothing. It is in fact a slap in the face for the politician. The public is actually saying you must manage with less money though expenses are increasing faster than the tax base and at the same time we want to GROW our county. The slap is to say that the politician can do that. Frankly, only God has been able to do that to my knowledge. Come on Bill and the rest of the commissioner quit worrying about re-election or perhaps being the sole commissioner (if we ever get there)and do the right thing for the county. No one wants the elderly residents and the poor to pick up all of a tax increase and they don't which is something politicians can do something about when they structure the increases. I believe most commissioners really do this work because they believe they can make a difference and yet feel they must sell out on the fights that can't be won in hopes that they can win a few others and feel like they did the best they could in the end. Perhaps that is true but it is not what you were elected to do. You were elected to stand up for the hard decisions. Not all of the people you represent are prudent lay people. Some are unreasonable, immature jerks that no idea what vision is much less values. You were elected to represent them as well as all the types in your district. Everyone is different and you cannot satisfy everyone. That is human nature. Still others have an agenda. Are you listening Bill? You have not even put a proper bandaid on the problem and frankly I am embarrassed. A tax plan must be developed that resolves the issues of the County plain and simple. We can do better. We must do better. We need the commissioners to do what is right for the county even if that means they serve only one term. Do what you think is right. It does not matter than every decision is the correct one as long as you really did the "right" thing in your heart and not the political right thing. We live in an amazing County with great people that I beleive you underestimate. Tell them the truth and do something about it. It may not get you re-elected but they still trust you to do it. They elected you to do it. The vocal ones will be vocal about most everything right or wrong. Don't let them decide the future of this county alone when there are so many others that want us to be whole and financially stable. If you want a better County you have to pay for it. If you want to keep what you have today you still have to pay for it. Commissioners, I don't doubt it is a thankless job that will always be damned if you do and damned if you don't. I believe you knew that when you ran for it. You have not solved the problem. You have not even stopped the bleeding. Try again.
Post a Comment
<< Home