Tuesday, Sept 2, 2008, a PUBLIC HEARING was conducted to review the upcoming 2008-2009 budget and associated tax levy. A public notice had been previously published announcing the budget hearing and proposed 3.33 mil tax levy.
Then on Tuesday after the PUBLIC HEARING closed, the County Administrator informed the Board of "New Growth and Requirements." It is anticipated that another $5oM bond issue will be needed to cover the costs of the projects. So, another 3 mils was added to the already proposed 3.33 mil levy totaling 6.33 mils. There was outrage expressed by many in attendance that such a "Bait and Switch" scheme would be used and many expressed concern as to whether the tax increase was legal with out proper PUBLIC NOTICE.
Supervisors Tim Johnson, Karl Banks and Paul Griffin voted for the increased taxes; and John Bell Crosby and D.I. Smith voted against the increase.
Several residents stated they would oppose future bond issues by signing a petition requesting a referendum on the proposed $50 bond issue. If 1,500 residents sign a petition, the proposed bond issue will have to be approved by voters through a referendum.
On a $100,000 house, the annual tax increase will be $63.30; on a $200,000 house, $126.60. On a $300,000 house, it will be $189.90 annually and $253.20 on a $400,000 house.
1 comment:
This is a good example of what happens when a county lives beyond its means and the appetite for growth exceeds the budget. When Madison Co. cant even operate on a budget given the businesses and residents already there it becomes quite embarrassing. Why cant Madison the city pay for paving Annandale and why cant developers pay for their own pet projects, why must it be taxpayers who need other "necessities" that most other counties can provide while lowering taxes! Rankin Co. is looking pretty good now, I might move there, they have nice homes and pretty brick buildings too!
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