Opposing viewpoints-TOPIC: County budget shortfall-Moderate tax increase makes sense, even with shaky economy

County commissioners are faced with a major dilemma this year as far as property taxes are concerned. A major shortfall in local option sales tax, to the tune of $300,000 to $400,000, may force them into a situation where they have to make a choice between three evils, making major cuts to departmental budgets, digging deeper into county fund balances, which could generate problems in the future, or the dreaded property tax increase.
While the majority of people say they don’t want any sort of tax increase, in the same breath they will also say they don’t want any reduction in services, or at least in the services that affect them directly.
The problem is that these days, the cost of running government is going up just like the cost of running any other enterprise, whether it’s a business or a household. Everyone these days is well aware of how the rising cost of fuel, for instance, is putting a strain on everybody’s budget.
So how can citizens realistically expect government to operate on the same budget year after year as costs continue to rise exponentially?
The fact is for most people a minor property tax increase won’t have that much effect on their wallets. For instance, it would take a 7 cent property tax increase for Warren County government to make up the estimated $350,000 shortfall in local option sales tax this year. Amazingly, under the current tax rate of $2.31 a family with a $200,000 would pay $1,155 in property tax, and with a rate of $2.38 they would pay $1,190. An increase of $35 ‘ the cost of restaurant meal or a tank of gas. Well, half a tank these days. Isn’t it worth $35 to ensure the solvency of our local government and continuation of services and non-profit organizations? None of us want to pay taxes, but it’s a necessary part of any society if we are to maintain our way of life.
We’ve had five years without an increase, thanks to some creative county officials, but this year, maybe it’s time to pony up and make things a bit easier for all of us.