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those people on fixed incomes.....as they are <br />eligible and may obtain a tax rebate." <br />Alternatives to the proposed tax increase were <br />also discussed by :Luce including an attempt to <br />raise sales tax that was not support by the <br />downtown business community because they felt it <br />would hurt business. Increasing services must <br />have corresponding revenue, Luce stated. "I am <br />prepared an go on record as saying its time to put <br />politics aside and do waats best for this community <br />and unless I hear some new arguments that persuade <br />me otherwise, I am. prepared to support the <br />resolution thats on the floor." <br />Fauson spoke saying that many opinions both in <br />favor and in opposition to this proposed tax <br />increase are valid. "Several weeks ago I did <br />mention a possibility of added revenue such as a <br />use tax. It was criticized in the sense that we <br />already are taxing the developers with our permit <br />fees. With my calculations, if we did not have <br />the use tax on building materials and had it only <br />on automobiles, wE: would still raise this $100,000 <br />that we are looking at with this 2 mill increase. <br />I have other concerns such as the deterrent to <br />incoming commercial and industrial." "Needs and <br />wants should be defined. At this point I'm not <br />totally convinced that a 2 mill levy is needed." <br />Cussen stated that he concurred with Mr. Luce's <br />comments. "We don't have the growth that is <br />taking place right now that can continue to bring <br />in those fees and yet there is constant demand <br />upon the water and sewer. We are hearing the need <br />for a recreation center. Last year there was not <br />a salary increase for employees and the staff was <br />decreased and only a small increase for this year. <br />Year after year the Lake Park project has been put <br />off. They are wondering why the monies ....the <br />fees they paid, has the project not been <br />completed. Previous times those fees were used to <br />put into the general budget to pay salaries and do <br />the ongoing budget. I could go on and on. As a <br />prudent member of Council, I feel that if we are <br />to fund the needs, not increase the level of <br />services,.....I don't know how we can financially <br />do it with the monies, the revenue, that are <br />coming in. It is a very small increase to ask of <br />the people. Its a tough thing to ask. But I for <br />one am wi 11 ing to stand up and be counted and say <br />].tS time to move on and start doing those projects <br />We ~aV e a v ision and a plan for the City and <br />t.~hat from the hip each yeaz." <br />tfie~I We not opez:ate <br />