Here are some recent city decisions I don’t agree with

To the Editor:

The unbalanced budget is just a sign of unbalanced thinking in McMinnville city government. Here are a few things I have noticed that I don’t agree with:

‘ A 25-cent tax increase last year.

‘ A 7-cent increase this year.

‘ The state legislature just passed an income based property tax relief bill for the elderly. This program will not be granted any additional state revenues to balance out the lost revenue. If the city agrees to pass the tax freeze for seniors, how do they intend to fund the program? Will they increase taxes and then blame the elderly for it?

‘ Two years ago the city paid Johnson Control $35,000 for an energy survey. McMinnville Electric System would have done the survey for free.

‘ Officials still allow non-city residents unlimited access to all city-taxpayer-funded recreation facilities at an extremely low price leaving city taxpayers to carry the burden for operational costs.

‘ The city openly competes with a private enterprise by offering a weight room facility. This endangers the business of a local city taxpayer.

‘ Mayor Royce Davenport asked to be mayor yet he refuses to vote on issues unless it’s to break a tie and that denies the voters the right to know his true opinion.

I have read the city charter and Roberts Rules of Order. The city charter plainly states the mayor shall have a vote on all issues, not if he wants to or if there is a tie. Davenport was elected mayor and not mediator.

‘ Roberts Rules of Order plainly states on pages 12, 69 and 112 that the presiding officer of boards comprised of less than 12 people should vote on all issues.

Dennis Taylor
Navajo Trail
McMinnville