Too little information is offered on costs of tax measures

In the past month several promotional flyers have been in the mail encouraging a yes vote on one proposition or another on April 23. They focus strongly on exclaiming the benefits associated with the measure passing, but are weak in clearly defining the cost associated with the proposition being approved.. There is usually, but not always, some mention of the proposed tax levy per $1,000 in accessed valuation and a brief comment indicating what an average home will be assessed.

An informed decision also requires a full understanding of the benefits and the costs involved. Information like will the proposed tax levy be a addition to, or a replacement of the tax rate already being paid to the taxing district? How many years will the proposed tax be levied? If the tax is a multi-year affair, will the tax rate go down as the assessed valuation in the tax district increases? It would be helpful if the promotional materials and the news coverage more fully describe the actual cost and the duration of the levy.

Whether the propositions pass or fail remains to be seen. Perhaps folks would be more inclined to support the propositions if they are given a more complete disclosure of the benefits and the actual costs involved.

Gary Gossett

Sultan