What has happened to our ladder truck?
I recently received a flier, as did most people in McMinnville, in reference to the proposed sales tax increase. It states that if we vote for an increase in sales tax, then we vote for a lower property tax.
I believe it was printed in the Southern Standard the state election people told McMinnville this could not be placed on the ballot, only the part about a vote for a sales tax. If, at a later date, the city officials decided to lower the property tax, then they may do so but it could not be voted on.
Does anyone other than The Citizens for Lower Property Tax believe this? When did any government vote for a 60 percent cut in a tax?
Look to the past year or so. Property taxes were raised to build a fire substation and obtain a ladder truck. What did we get? A new pool!
We were told we would get a new ladder truck but needed to borrow extra money to build sidewalks. The federal highway people passed along the money through TDOT for the sidewalks. Still, no ladder truck!
Now the mayor and aldermen need a 100 percent raise. No ladder truck! The city administrator needs a $13,000-per-year raise. No ladder truck! The Civic Center needs to expand the exercise room and buy all new equipment. No ladder truck!
Do you really think the property tax will go down? If so, how long will it stay down? Probably until the fire department needs a ladder truck next year.
Jerry W. Brown
120 Beech Hill Dr.
McMinnville