By Rich

June 12, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Nobody likes paying taxes yet we demand the conveniences that civic amenities such as adequate roadways, parks, and water/wastewater utilities provide. Most every one feels safer seeing a police car patrolling down the street. Face it, who enjoys waiting in traffic jams in-season and out of season? How would people really feel if we are asked to sacrifice water and wastewater service during season so that we have enough to share with the snow-birds? In Martin County fire and police make up 24% of the 2007 budget. Utilities and solid waste make up another 19%. Capital improvement projects make up 18%. Beach protection and transportation make up 12%. Administration and engineering aren’t even 6% of the budget.

Throw into the mixture opportunistic state politicians such as Rubio and Crist that say police and firefighters won’t be touched and, in fact, they increase taxes just for them. They are the ones clamoring the loudest and yet their rhetoric does nothing to clarify the issues at had. These opportunistic men and women have no concept of what our local issues are, they do not love Florida, and they have no place in discerning what should be done with our taxes.

By Cheryl

June 12, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Maybe the department heads & other officials should be looking at their own paychecks and benifit packages. I think a reduction in pay & perks to the folks spending all the money, might open some eyes. Instead they are using “scare tactics”. Cut services to lower income voters and you may be looking for new employment.

By KEEP YOUR SOH

June 12, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this

Sounds like a bait & switch. Assessments alone are meaningless unless they reduce the millage rate, and keep the SOH tax cap. The assessments do not take into account the median home prices by county. Some counties medians are less than $200,000 while others are greater than $400,000.

They need to CUT SPENDING on unnecessary projects, like beautification, extravagant office buildings, libraries, parks, sports, arts, etc. Keep all essential services, like police, firefighters and emergency services. But CUT or SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE TAXPAYER FUNDED PENSIONS, BENEFITS & PERKS. Government pensions & benefits should be brought in line with private sector pensions & benefits. Why should government employees get better benefits than the taxpayers who fund them?