I just read that our stormwater tax is being increased by 9 1/2 percent and that our city budget has been increased by $4 million and that Rick Smith is asking for a $34 tax increase for the schools. Coincidentally, our mayor is giving $3 million to the justice center and another $1.2 million for other give away programs, and is being supported by none other than Chris Anderson.
It is not fair for city residents to have to pay double taxes and more money for stormwater fees. Stop giving tax breaks to large corporations who pay nothing or very little.
How many kids were dumped here because of illegal immigrants that we are now paying for in our public schools? How many rich corporations are skating by making money and paying little if anything at all? The city and county government expect home owners to foot the bill for everything.
As for the stormwater increase they just got the billing changed from California and now the city will handle it. Was that done to save us money? Why didn't the city do that in the first place? By the way, my stormwater fee now surpasses my water bill. How does that work? Who is getting the benefit from this money because we sure don't see it out here in East Brainerd because all the improvements are happening downtown.
It's time for some changes in our city and county governments. We in the city pay enough already and pay twice what the county pays. If the county wants more money then tell county residents who don't pay what we pay to pony up for the schools. Tell the people who rent to pay their share and just don't dump it all on the home owners. Tell the large corporations to pay their share because they are the only ones benefiting.
All I have to say is election time is coming and it's time to get rid of all these tax and spend politicians.
Susan Nicholas
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Ms. Nicholas,
I don't blame you for being upset with the stormwater fees, especially in light of all of the tax breaks businesses are getting in the Chattanooga area. Concerning having to pay city taxes in addition to county taxes, that is a choice you made, and continue to make, by living within Chattanooga city limits.
When I was house hunting in the early part of 2013, I specifically excluded houses within Chattanooga city limits for that very reason. Increasing taxes on only the county residents who don't also live in Chattanooga city limits just isn't how things work. If you live in the county, you pay county taxes. Live in the city? Pay city taxes. Both? Pay both.
That being said, I certainly agree with you in that it just doesn't make sense to place the extra tax burden solely on the backs of home/property owners. I'm not against giving the schools more money, but if it's going to happen it needs to be done via the method that would draw from the largest tax base, thereby mitigating the added burden on each individual (i.e. a marginal increase in the local sales tax).
Regarding your comment about it being time for changes in our city and county governments, while I can't speak for the city elected officials, I have contacted our county elected officials on several occasions (regarding different issues) and have heard back from quite a few. Most recently: Marty Haynes (D3), Joe Graham (D6), and Sabrena Turner-Smedley (D7). On this topic, everyone who has responded has clearly said they do not support increasing property taxes. Some have also provided their personal phone numbers, inviting me to call if I'd like to speak with them further. If you haven't already, I'd suggest contacting the commissioner for your district (I believe Chester Bankston is the commissioner for your area), and asking him what his stance is.
All this may be a moot point - there won't even be a vote on a tax increase unless the county mayor proposes it to the Commission, which has not happened as of yet. Still, I wouldn't let that deter you from contacting your commissioner to voice your concerns.
Dallas Cole
Hixson