Taxes

I do not intend to vote for a tax increase. Over the past two years total city expenditures have grown from $324 million to $392 million dollars. That's roughly a 21% increase. During the same two years receipts from property taxes will have increased almost 18%. The coliseum will require a $2 million contribution from the General Fund to balance its budget. The replacement dam for Lake Townsend is expected to cost $ 50 million and the connector to Randleman Dam another $ 50 million, which will result in an increased cost of water to taxpayers. To quote the city:

"The lower appropriated fund balance level in the General Fund reflects less anticipated savings from the current year than will be available for appropriation." City Attorney budget message to City Council.

"......while the City cannot control these trends, it can attempt to mitigate their impacts on current and future city operations through conservative budget projections, contingency planning, and maintaining a focus on long-term goals." City Budget & Evaluation Department.

Instead of continuing to increase taxes to balance growing expenditures maybe it is time to take a serious look at ways to curtail or eliminate expenses. Let's focus on living within our means without resorting to tax increases. Choose between necessity and non-essentials.