Catoosa Vision

Catoosa Taxes

Well, well, well... It appears that Catoosa County residents will be facing not one but two property tax increases.

Here's the story from the Catoosa County News...

In summary, the Catoosa County Commission has recommended a 1-mil increase to property taxes. In addition, it's being reported that the School Board will also implement a 1-mil increase.

Now, we all want to keep our money and spend it ourselves. The problem is that we are also demanding more and more services from both the County and the School System.

The Commissioners have taken an EXTREMELY COURAGEOUS step forward in fiscal responsibility by even suggesting a tax increase. Let's face it though: They had no choice! They've already cut as much as could be cut from the county's budget and still came up almost $2 million short.

I wholly respect the cost-cutting binge for what it accomplished. But, I also respect the reality-based decision to raise the taxes -- only after the cost cutting has taken place. They've done exactly what we've asked: Make sure that there's no obvious waste in governmental spending before you ask for more money from us.

We need to support -- not deride -- the Commissioners and School Board for their decision-making process.

Congratulations to both for such a bold step forward!

posted by Chris Casey @ 8:21 AM