"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Recent property tax revaluations have hit area homeowners at a bad time.
We're still a long way from a full economic recovery.
And the higher assessed tax value generally means a higher tax bill.
We've each had a chance to appeal the notices we received in the mail.
But many of us would be more than happy to sell our homes to the county for what THEY say their worth.
Now here's a little good news.
This revaluation, combined with better than expected sales tax revenues,
has county officials forecasting a budget surplus of around 10 point 7 million dollars this year.
So, what should be done with that extra cash?
Now YOU paid the property taxes and YOU paid for most of the sales taxes.
Shouldn't YOU have a say in how that 10 point 7 is spent?
Well our Editorial Board has a few ideas…
Create a "rainy day fund" for use the next time the county gets into debt...
Hold the surplus as a hedge against future property tax increases...
Here's a novel idea: How about giving it BACK to the taxpayers?
It's OUR money anyway; who couldn't use a little extra cash right now?
Or, finally, how about using the nearly 11 million dollars to save teacher jobs and services at CMS?
We're sure there a lots of other good possibilities. What do YOU think?
Please let us know at speakout@wbtv.com.
