To the Editor:
Most think their property taxes are too high. Perhaps you are aware the Madison County Board voted the last four years to shuffle between $3.2 and 4.2 million of excess taxes from the general fund to the capital fund instead of returning it to tax payers.
In response, concerned citizens found a way to reduce taxes with a petition for referendum to reduce the general levy 20 percent. Almost 10,000 registered voters agreed we should consider this tax cut on the fall ballot.
Approximately 127 individuals circulated petitions as numerous county office holders urged you not to sign it. Local government leaders stated public safety would suffer. However, they offered no facts to support their case. Why? It seems no facts support their position.
First, excess general funds aren’t used to support law enforcement. In fact, the rest of government will also function because there has always been $22 million general fund dollars at fiscal year end. One wonders if officials seek to create a bogey man to scare the public.
Let's put this referendum on the ballot and after robust public discussion let the people decide. What do you think? Do current officials over tax you? Should we reduce the general fund levy by 20 percent?
Philip W. Chapman
Highland