I just read another letter on the opinion page regarding Initiative 747 (Oct. 12 “Initiative 747: Threatens safety in our community”). The author, Michael Manley, contends vital services are threatened. He also goes on to state in detail the alleged losses different taxing districts would suffer.
At this point a question arose in my mind. Exactly how are these losses calculated? If I pay the same amount of taxes next year as I pay this year, where is the loss to the taxing district? I assume it comes from real dollar value lost due to inflation, which is usually greater than 1 percent. But isn’t it funny how taxing districts usually ask for the maximum of 106 percent over the three previous years? This translates to a full 6 percent over the previous period. Did not the local government ask for this full amount instead of just the inflation rate?
Everyone should read the information in the voter’s pamphlet concerning Initiative 747.
I understand the need to pay taxes and associated increases, but not always to the maximum allowed. People voted for Initiative 695 because they were frustrated paying artificially inflated valuation taxes on their cars.
I believe the people should support Initiative 747 not only to limit taxes, but to force government to responsibly and carefully examine taxing rates regarding all future taxes.
Marysville
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